Malaysian Football League CEO Kevin Ramalingam said today that the possibility of abolishing the chairperson’s post in its restructuring plans cannot be ruled out.

Ramalingam said in a statement the proposal to abolish the post was contained in the MFL Next50 Strategic Blueprint 2021-2070 launched in Johor Bahru on July 15.

He claimed MFL chairperson Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had consented to the restructuring.

Tunku Ismail sees the restructuring as a move to further strengthen the MFL administration by not having a chairperson, but controlled fully by the board of directors, Ramalingam said in a statement.

He said the decision to amend the MFL constitution depends on the approval of the 24 MFL affiliates, comprising teams competing in the Malaysian League, at its congress scheduled for September.

"It is impossible for us to operate if there is constant negative perception towards MFL, (like) if there is a representative who is seen to have higher power than others. 

"It is just a perception, as Tunku Ismail, in his role as the MFL chairperson, has never used his powers to influence a decision.

“There have been cases where the MFL chairperson refused to vote at a decision-making meeting. This was to ensure board members can make decisions more freely," he added.

Ramalingam said all proposed restructuring move must be approved at an MFL affiliates’ meeting, which is expected to be convened after this Saturday’s FA Cup final between Perak and Kedah at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

“At the meeting, they will vote to approve any changes in the MFL structure, but Tunku Ismail’s intention is very clear and he has been consistent in making decisions for MFL's interests.

“I can see his intention and only a leader with calibre can plan and implement his vision, including the desire to ensure MFL meets the standards of the highest governance and expectations of the affiliates," he added.

Ramalingam dismissed allegations by some quarters that Johor Darul Takzim’s success in winning various trophies over the past few seasons was due to Tunku Ismail’s influence as the MFL chairperson.

"This is a ridiculous statement because JDT had won many trophies even before he was appointed MFL chairperson. 

"With the plans that they have, JDT is going to win trophies even after Tunku Ismail is no longer the MFL chairperson," he added.

- Bernama