Saturday, 22 September 2012 11:04

KUALA TERENGGANU: Head coach Peter Butler (pic) finally received a contract termination letter from the Terengganu FA and the only person who may be able to save him now is Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.

Butler's contract was terminated following the six-month suspension he received from the FA disciplinary committee for speaking to the media about the incident involving two players, without the authorization of the management.

According to FA secretary Abdullah Salleh, who signed the termination letter, Butler had breached his contract by being suspended for more than 30 days and the association has the option to terminate the contract by giving the coach one month's notice or pay one month's salary in compensation.

But the 46-year-old Englishman, who is unhappy with the treatment he received from his employer, said he will not just pack up and leave without a fight.

"I will stand up and fight this decision by the FA and if I have to, I will take the matter to FAM, Fifa, courts, everywhere ...

"I happened to go through a similar ordeal when I was coaching Kelantan last year but the way the management there dealt with me was amicable and dignified," said Butler, who had a meeting with the Menteri Besar yesterday.

When contacted later, Butler said he could not reveal what was said during the 20-minute meeting but the former West Ham and West Bromwich player admitted it was a good meeting between two individuals who shared a similar passion for football.

"The Menteri Besar only wants what is best for Terengganu football and although many of those in the FA do not think so, that is what I want too," he said.

Meanwhile, the Menteri Besar's press secretary Rosli Zakaria, who set up the meeting at Sultan Mahmud Airport, said Ahmad is regarded as Terengganu's No 1 football fan.

"He may not be an office bearer in the association but he still holds the key to Butler's future as the state government is the main sponsors of the state football team," said Rosli.

Each year, Terengganu receive between RM3 million and RM5 million from the state government and any major decision involving team policy or removal of key personnel must meet with Ahmad's consent.

The Menteri Besar backed Butler when the coach decided to drop defender Muslim Ahmad and midfielder Ismail Faruqi Asha'ri from the team for breaking curfew before the away match Kedah in Alor Setar last month.

Similarly, he was also in Butler's corner when the coach left out Sharbinee Allawee Ramli from the team after the goalkeeper made a blunder which cost Terengganu a chance to qualify for the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.