Big bucks for Safee

MALAYSIAN MILLIONAIRE: Safee has agreed to a lucrative contract extension with Pelita Jaya

KUALA LUMPUR: National hitman Safee Sali secured a RM2million contract when he committed to a two-year extension with Indonesia’s Pelita Jaya FC yesterday.

However, the big bucks will not mean a thing if the Indonesia FA (PSSI) and the Indonesian Super League (ISL) do not sort out their differences by the end of next month. Fifa had, in a letter to PSSI in December, instructed the Indonesian national body to put their house in order or they will deem the ISL illegal. This will lead to a blanket ban for all the players in the ISL, ruling Safee out from even playing for the Malaysian national team.

Safee, who turned 28 on Sunday, is still in his prime and remains the top striker in the country. If he is banned from donning the national colours, it will certainly dent the nation’s chances in international tournaments, including the Asean Cup which will be hosted by Malaysia later this year.

Malaysia are the defending champions, with Safee the topscorer at the 2010 edition with five goals.

Safee’s contract with the Indonesian club includes lucrative bonus packages, commercial endorsements, a house, a car and a personal driver.

The club also agreed to bear Safee’s travelling expenses to Malaysia and his taxes.

This lays to rest speculation of Safee returning to Malaysia due to the turmoil in the Indonesian football circle. There were also claims that Safee could play in Thailand or enjoy stints with Greek club Panathinaikos or Turkish side Galatasaray.

“Safee wishes to thank the Malaysian media and the FA of Malaysia who have been monitoring developments between PSSI and ISL,” said Safee’s manager Zakaria Rahim.

“He hopes to do well with Pelita Jaya and will return to the national team whenever needed.”

Pelita Jaya is in seventh spot in the ISL with 14 points from 10 matches. Safee has so far scored six goals for the Karawang-based team.