Dementia campaigners are criticizing PFA boss Maheta Molango’s £150,000 pay rise and branding the union “morally bankrupt” after criticism over a lack of support for former players

Dementia campaigners have described PFA boss Maheta Molango’s incredible £150,000 pay rise as a “slap in the face” and described the union as “morally bankrupt”.

The chief executive, who replaced Gordon Taylor and took over in June 2021, has had his salary increased to £650,000, with the PFA linking the increase to the cost of living crisis.

Taylor had been earning more than £2million a year and Molango started on £500,000 – but has now secured a retroactive 30 per cent rise following his first pay review.

The union has been heavily criticized for its perceived lack of support for former players suffering from dementia.

And following Mail Sport’s campaign, steps were taken to address the issues with a new dementia fund being opened earlier this year, providing £1 million.

PFA boss Maheta Molango wants to increase his salary by 30 percent

However, that figure is seen by many as a drop in the ocean and, against that backdrop, the massive rise of former Brighton and Oldham player Molango has not been well received.

John Stiles, whose father – England World Cup winner Nobby – died of dementia in 2020, criticized the move.

“The PFA is morally bankrupt and this just proves it,” said Stiles, who himself played for clubs such as Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers. “How can they justify this?” “This is typical of the PFA and a slap in the face to all those families who are struggling to finance the care of their loved ones who are suffering because they played football.”

Stiles also claimed the development showed little had changed since the days of Taylor, whose salary was set by an advisory committee.

“Molango was not elected and, like Taylor, is free to do what he wants to do,” he said. “This is a misuse of money that should be there to help the players.” This is supposedly a new PFA. That’s ridiculous. It’s quite simple – it’s the old in a new guise. “It’s a kick in the teeth for everyone who has lost lives without the help of the PFA.”

The PFA declined to comment.

Like Taylor, 41-year-old Molango is the highest-paid union boss in the country.

Molango replaced Gordon Taylor, who stepped down as PFA CEO in 2021 after 40 years

The PFA’s move to appoint the 41-year-old has come under scrutiny amid major concerns over the recruitment process

But insiders say the PFA’s restructuring has led to a more transparent process, with an independent remuneration committee recommending salaries which are then approved by the operating and player boards. They also point out that this is his first salary review in two and a half years.

Regardless, John McNamee Jr, whose father played for clubs such as Celtic, Newcastle and Blackburn, was also deeply unimpressed.

The McNamee family recently sold their home to help cover nursing home costs for John Senior, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. She had decided not to apply for money from the £1 million fund as they thought it would mean taking money away from those older than herself.

“We barely beat Molango’s raise,” explained John Jr. “Dad will now probably die in a nursing home without being a homeowner, despite a 13-year playing career.” I’m surprised, but not surprised by this. It’s typical.’