MFL reduces fine on Selangor FC after Sultan's displeasure

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has, among others, reduced the fine imposed on Selangor FC for not playing the Charity Shield match on May 10 from RM100,000 to RM60,000.

The MFL also announced that it has rescinded the three-point deduction on Selangor FC for the 2024-2025 Super League season but, should the Red Giants repeat the offence, then they will be brought before the disciplinary committee and a sterner and harsher punishment will be meted out.

In addition, the MFL also rescinded its decision for Selangor FC's Super League Match Week 14 game against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) to be played behind closed doors at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium, saying fans can now attend the game.

"The MFL board members today used their discretion to reconsider the decision made on June 24 against Selangor FC for their failure to play the Charity Shield match against JDT at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on May 10.

"The reconsideration is made as a gesture of respect and compliance with the decree by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah,” the MFL said in a statement.

However, Selangor FC will still have to compensate the host team JDT and the MFL for losses incurred. The governing body will compile information and the costs submitted by JDT and the MFL Secretariat to be handed to Selangor FC for review and further discussions.

Meanwhile, Selangor FC have been given three days from today by MFL to lodge an appeal.

However, Selangor FC, in a statement, said they are scrutinising and studying all appropriate channels to take further action.

Selangor FC explained that the request to postpone the Charity Shield match was made after the acid attack on Faisal Halim on May 5 and several other incidents involving the country's footballers. However, the request was rejected.

The decision resulted in JDT being awarded a 3-0 win and all three points in the Super League.

However, Sultan Sharafuddin yesterday expressed his disappointment and sadness with the decision of the MFL and members of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), particularly its president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, regarding the fine imposed on Selangor FC for failing to play in the Charity Shield match on May 10.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he was extremely upset with the latest MFL decision, which he considered irresponsible, made without compassion, inhumane and showed no concern for the cruelty that occurred. - BERNAMA