Sultan Sharafuddin slams RM100k fine, points docking against S'gor FC

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has slammed the RM100,000 fine and three-point docking given to Selangor FC for failing to play in the Charity Shield match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor last month.

In a statement, the ruler expressed his disappointment and sorrow over the decision of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), particularly the latter’s president Hamidin Mohd Amin.

“I’m shocked and disappointed as Hamidin did not voice out (on the matter) at all when he had served as the Selangor Football Association (FAS) secretary from 1995 to 2013, and is experienced in the state football arena. He was also given an award (Datukship) by me.

“I’m extremely angered by the latest decision by MFL, which I deem irresponsible, merciless, inhumane, and does not show concern for the cruelty that has happened,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.

It was reported yesterday that Selangor FC was dealt a heavy blow over the failure to play the match against Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) last month.

In addition, the 14th Malaysia Super League match between Selangor and JDT at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium will be played without spectators.

Chance to appeal

Selangor withdrew from playing in the match following a spate of criminal incidents and threats on several players including their winger Faisal Halim who fell victim to an acid attack on May 5.

Elaborating, Sultan Sharafuddin said following the incidents, Selangor FC sent a notice to MFL to postpone its matches but was rejected.

“I think that the RM100,000 fine, the compensation that has to be paid to JDT and MFL, the point docking, and spectator-less matches are excessive punishments, as the victory has already been handed to the opponent (JDT).”

The ruler lamented that sports, which is meant to be a platform to unite the people, has now 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.

“I’m also surprised why MFL and FAM did not show any sympathy or pity on those affected by such incidents. Remember, what’s happening now can not only tarnish the credibility of the country’s football but can also ‘kill’ the spirit and future direction of the Selangor FC team,” said the ruler.

‘Extreme act’

Sultan Sharafuddin, who is the patron of FAS, said 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.

“Football is a much-loved sport that can unite the people. The MFL’s ‘extreme’ act does not portray this image at all, and will only damage the sport’s reputation locally,” he said, urging MFL to decide carefully.

Stadium Astro reported that MFL has allowed Selangor FC a chance to appeal against the penalty.

The sports channel quoted MFL CEO Stuart Ramalingam saying that the appeal would be scrutinised.

According to him, Selangor FC was given four days from the date of the penalty to submit the appeal, and the deliberation and decision by the MFL board can take up to a month.

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