Controversy has marred the American Premier League (APL) as a dispute between the owner and umpires unfolded over an alleged unpaid sum. The umpires claim that they were not remunerated the agreed-upon amount of $30,000. However, APL contends that the umpires demanded the sum from the owner despite receiving a down payment and resorted to threatening to halt the semi-finals. The organizers further stated that law enforcement was summoned to the scene, resulting in the umpires being "ejected from the ground."
APL, using its X account (formerly known as Twitter), detailed the situation: "The umpires were paid a down payment, and they held the semifinal hostage and blackmailed the owner into shelling out 30k, or else no match. Danny Khan, Vijaya, Brian Owens were told that they cannot blackmail and hold the semi hostage as umpires, but these greedy umpires didn't budge, at which point they were asked to leave so the match goes on, and they refused and held the match hostage, at which point cops were called."
The statement emphasized the view that umpires should not hold a match hostage, especially during playoffs, and criticized the umpires for attempting to coerce the league owner. Meanwhile, journalist Peter Della Penna shared a statement from the umpires' perspective.
"I am Vijaya Prakash Mallela, one of the ICC Panel Umpires from the USA. It was a pleasure working with the teams for the last 10 days. Sorry, this has to end this way with umpires not getting paid about $30,000.00 balance, after paying our own expenses. Police were called on us when we demanded the payment towards our services and expenses. We had no choice but to leave. Good luck to all of you in your future endeavors," read the shared screenshot.