HIS Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has publicly criticised the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for reducing the fine imposed on Selangor FC for withdrawing from the Charity Shield.
In a social media post, the Johor Regent condemned MFL’s decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent where clubs violating rules might seek intervention from their respective rulers.
“After today, any club that does not pay salaries on time, or pulls out at their whims and fancy, or breaks any regulation, just need to ask their state’s Sultan to write a letter expressing anger.
Tunku Ismail, who owns the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club, warned that this could lead to a situation where teams from every state having violated regulations could appeal to the MFL through their rulers.
“After this, other Tuanku Sultans will also ask, why Selangor can get their punishment reduced but our state can’t?” he added.
Reflecting on his own experience, Tunku Ismail noted that in 2013 he was fined hundreds of thousands of ringgit and banned from all football activities for six months.
“But Tuanku Sultan Johor (at the time) never issued any letter nor made a statement (regarding the fines),” he pointed out.
“MFL made a U-turn (in the Selangor FC’s case) without receiving an appeal letter. Those who have been relentlessly attacking MFL online should now consider praising MFL.”
He also claimed that this incident has exposed the “real tokong” of Malaysian football.
Earlier on Tuesday (June 25), MFL announced a RM100,000 fine for Selangor FC and required them to compensate JDT for missing the Charity Shield. The league also stated that Selangor FC would be docked three points and play their return Super League match against JDT behind closed doors at MBPJ Stadium in November.
The initial penalties sparked anger among Selangor FC supporters and experts, who considered the fine excessive. Responding to the backlash, MFL announced a reduction of the fine from RM100,000 to RM60,000 yesterday (June 27). – June 28, 2024
