GAB steps into Global row with players

Global FC could face more sanctions, this time from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), which has given the embattled Philippines Football League (PFL) club 10 days to explain why it has not paid salaries of players and staff since last year.

GAB Chair Abraham Mitra said the regulatory body has given Global a show cause order or face the possibility of losing its professional license.

The order was addressed to Global FC team manager Mark Jarvis, who has owned the club since July 2018 after taking over from Dan Palami. In a previous interview, Jarvis said he sold the club to Tami Mazinyi in January this year.

“The Games and Amusements Board has been receiving complaints that some of the players of Global FC professional football team have not yet received their salaries,” Mitra said in the order also signed by commissioners Mar Masanguid and Ed Trinidad.

“To comply with the due process requirements, the board has conducted investigation and thus issued a show cause order to the management of Global FC to explain its side in writing within 10 days from receipt of such order.”

Global reportedly owes captain Jerry Barbaso P1.6 million of unpaid wages, while another player, Jorrel Aristorenas, has not been paid P1.02 million in salaries.

The PFL is set to elevate Global’s case to the Philippine Football Federation’s First Instance body, which decides on club licenses for the competition. But the club could face further sanctions from the GAB.

“As the agency tasked with regulating and supervising professional sports in the country, GAB shall ensure that the welfare of our professional athletes should be upheld at all times,” Mitra said.

“Failure of licensees to comply herewith shall be sufficient ground for them to be blacklisted pursuant to GAB Resolution No. 2015-03 of 2015.” INQ