Socceroo Jon McKain goes to FIFA to chase Kelantan wages

Ex-Socceroo Jon McKain says he has taken his case to FIFA as he chases unpaid wages from his former Malaysia Super League (MSL) club, Kelantan.

The defender, who has returned to his hometown of Brisbane as he contemplates his future, says he hasn't been paid since August after leaving the state side last month.

"After two seasons in Kelantan, it's really disappointing to have to go down this route, but I have no other option other than to approach FIFA," McKain told ESPN FC.

"It's alarming for a professional organisation to act in this manner by not paying players, and for the FAM to allow it to continue. Malaysian football cannot improve as a result, and the country's amazing and passionate fans deserve so much better."

My two years at Kelantan and Kota Bharu have come to an end. Looking back and thinking about the experience I've had in Malaysia, so many fantastic memories come to mind, such as this one, and I have formed some life long friendships. Thank you to all those people who I have met and helped me along my journey. To the amazing fans, thank you for making me feel welcome from the day I arrived. It's been an honour to represent YOUR team and I'm proud to be able to call myself a Red Warrior. I will be watching, supporting and praying for success for #TRW in the near future. ���� Best wishes and good bye for now �� �� #TRWFamily #TheRedWarriors #Respect #ThisIsKotaBharu #GomoKelateGomo

A photo posted by Jonny McKain (@jonnymckain4) on

Oct 27, 2016 at 3:58am PDT

Kelantan are having financial issues that may see them pull out of the 2017 MSL season after the withdrawal of cosmetics tycoon Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman as their major sponsor.

McKain added that the off-field distractions made life difficult for the Red Warriors, who finished fourth in the 12-team MSL after making the final of the Malaysia FA Cup against Singapore's LionsXII the year before.

"What I regularly experienced at Kelantan were decisions made by management that adversely affected the playing group," McKain said.

"I was there to play football, but it became almost impossible on occasions. The structure and environment need to be right for players to perform."

McKain, 34, added that he was contemplating retirement after a 17-year career, while considering becoming a coach.

"I will play local league in Brisbane for now, and begin to learn the other side of playing. But I'm not going to jump straight into coaching without doing my apprenticeship first.

"I haven't lived in Brisbane for 14 years, so to be home with family and friends is really exciting."

Formerly with Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, McKain earned 16 Socceroo caps, and also played in Romania and Saudi Arabia. He represented his country at the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, and 2011 AFC Asian Cup.