Ref suspension a proactive step by FAM: MFL chief exec

KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) decision to suspend a controversial referee from the Super League is a proactive step in the right direction, said Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief executive Stuart Ramalingam. 

FAM recently suspended controversial referee Zulkarnain Zakaria with immediate effect from refereeing any Malaysia League matches this season due to his questionable decisions during a Super League match between Sabah and Penang last week.

Stuart said referee issues have always been a hot topic amongst football fans and the sport’s administrators across the world. 

“If we look at any league in the world, referees have always been under the microscope. 

“The recent decision by FAM to suspend the referee is seen as a proactive step because it was done before the teams complained,” he said today during the partnership extension between MFL and Sime Darby Oil’s cooking oil brand Alif. 

Stuart said he will discuss refereeing issues in this year’s Super League season with FAM in the coming weeks. 

“I believe that FAM and MFL working together to address this issue and also to come up with programmes is something good. 

“We all hope that refereeing issues can be reduced because it cannot be eradicated, as referees will always be the highlight of any match.

Refereeing problems have led many in the football fraternity to push for the implementation of video assistant referees (VAR). However, Stuart said that VAR is not a one-stop solution. 

“I understand the need for VAR, but the system also has its setbacks. 

“VAR is not a solution because it still needs a referee to monitor it. VAR is just a step towards adding another layer of check and balance to the decisions that are made on the pitch,” he added. 

Previously, Stuart said discussions with a VAR supplier have already started, and referees were already undergoing the six-month training programme required before implementing the technology in the league. 

Meanwhile, MFL and Alif have extended their partnership for another year. – The Vibes, March 20, 2023