SULTAN of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed disappointment over the fine imposed on Selangor FC for not playing in the Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) last month.
“I am very disappointed and saddened by the decisions of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) and the Malaysian Football Association (FAM), particularly FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.
“I am surprised and disappointed because Hamidin did not take a serious stance, despite his previous role as the secretary-general of the Selangor Football Association from 1995 to 2013 and is experienced in the state football arena,” he said in a statement today.
In addition to the fine, Selangor FC was docked three points by the MFL and required to compensate JDT for losses sustained as the host of the opening match and the MFL for losses resulting from the withdrawal from the match on May 10.
The sultan also said he was angry over the latest decision by MFL which he deemed as irresponsible, merciless and inhumane.
“It does not show any concern at all for the cruelty that had taken place,” he said.
Selangor withdrew from the Super League-cum-Charity Shield match five days after their star winger, Faisal Halim, was attacked with acid in Damansara Jaya.
Following their no-show, MFL awarded JDT three points and yesterday, the MFL unanimously decided on the RM100,000 fine, which will be donated to charity organisations.
In addition, Selangor will be required to compensate JDT and MFL for the financial losses resulting from their withdrawal.
Following the acid attack on Faisal, Sultan Sharafuddin said Selangor FC sent a notice to MFL to postpone its matches but was rejected.
“Victory had already been handed to JDT. I think the RM100,000 fine, compensation to JDT and MFL and point docking are excessive punishments.
“Sport is meant to unite the people, and now it has fallen victim to violence.
“What’s even worse is the MFL and FAM are not voicing out against such incidents, or taking precautions against such occurrences,” said the FAS patron.
Sultan Sharafuddin added that he would not hesitate to pull the Selangor FC team out of the Super League if he was part of the FAS and the team leadership. – June 26, 2024
