MANILA, Philippines—
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has blacklisted Global FC and barred the club from acting as a professional licensee after its failure to respond to complaints of its players and staff regarding unpaid salaries.
GAB Chair Abraham Mitra, in a letter dated Sept. 7, signed an order that blacklisted the club and prevented it from applying for or renewing its professional license, dealing with the GAB, or otherwise acting as a professional licensee.
The Philippine Football Federation already suspended Global FC’s license on September 1 following 15 complaints that the club owes P5.8 million in unpaid wages to its employees, including P1.6 million to defender Jerry Barbaso alone.
“We are unhappy about what happened, and we are acting on the complaint of the players whose livelihood and careers have been affected,” wrote Mitra in a statement.
“I hope this serves as a deterrent and a lesson to others who may do the same. GAB’s mandate is to look after the welfare of our professional athletes, and we intend to do just that.”
Back in August, GAB gave Global FC 10 days to answer the complaints but the club failed to do so under oath within the time frame despite team manager Mark Jarvis acknowledging that they received the communication from the government body.
GAB also instructed Global FC to explain, under oath, why it failed to comply with the processes of the board.
Global FC was also tasked with explaining why the GAB should lift its blacklisted status and allow them to reapply for a license.
“Global FC management should understand that it is our duty to protect professional athletes, particularly when there are allegations of non-payment of compensation,” said Mitra. “Thus, to avoid legal actions in court, we urge Global FC to comply with the provisions of the contract they entered into.”