KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Was it arrogance or guilt?

Either way, three coaches and five players from Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) faced the wrath of FA of Malaysia (FAM) who lashed out the whip to kick match-fixing out of football.

The eight in question, head coach Stanilav Lieskovsky, assistant team manager Rosdi Omar, official Shaari Jani, players Jeremy Danker, Khairul Anuar Shafie, Hafizi Roslee, Fadhulah Yunsifar and Phoo Kai Lun were handed lifetime suspensions from football and fined RM20,000 for match-fixing.

According to KLFA secretary general Nokman Mustapha, the eight claimed to be innocent but he was puzzled as to why they did not respond to FAM’s disciplinary notice letters.

The very same committee will hear the cases of another seven players, also from demoted Premier League side KL, this Friday after they entered defence.

Questions were asked if players were “forced” to turn to bookies after late payment of salaries.

For the record, KL players were not paid their full salaries since April. Sponsors Rising Sun Travel & Tours, who pulled out in May, pay a certain amount of the players’ salaries while KLFA tops up the balance.

Nokman insisted that non-payment of salaries were not the driving factor for players to fix matches.

He told Mailsport that the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had started investigations on the team at the start of the season in January.

“MACC contacted us at the start of the season saying they wanted to observe the team. We gave our blessing for the good of football. They submitted findings to FAM and decisions taken now are a result of their investigation,” said Nokman.

“The money to pay the players were plenty. We paid our part but the players did not come to us when the sponsors fail to pay them. It was unlike them considering players come to us at an instance in previous years. This alone was suspicious. All they did was lodge a complaint to FAM after the season ended.

“They were also instances where we suspended their salaries on fixing allegations, which they vehemently denied.

“This serves as a lesson to the players, not just KL but all players. We have asked MACC to continue monitoring our team in the FAM League next year,” he said.

Football observers lauded FAM’s  decision but hoped parties were more proactive in curbing match-fixing.

“Players could easily be lured into fixing matches. Even more when they are not paid. There were several instances of players not being paid on time once again this season but FAM have done little to curb it.

“To date, the national body had yet to put their foot down and hand out hefty punishments to such teams. Cutting of grants, which is the case now, seems to be little of a punishment,” said an observer.