By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, June 29 — The proceeds from the Selangor FC Solidarity Fund, recently launched by the state government through the Selangor State Sports Council (MSNS), have been entirely handed over to the team.
State executive councillor for sports Najwan Halimi said that over RM40,000 was successfully raised in less than 48 hours after the fund was launched on Wednesday night.
“The crowdfunding effort is not just about giving money. It is about allowing fans to show their support and solidarity.
“The fund is to help Selangor FC. So far, more than RM40,000 has been collected in less than 48 hours, and we will hand it over 100 per cent without any administrative charges,” he said when met following the launch of the handover of incentives to Selangor athletes at Concorde Hotel, here yesterday.
Also present was MSNS executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi.
Meanwhile, Najwan also expressed his appreciation to the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for lowering the penalties against Selangor FC following the decree of Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharifuddin Idris Shah Alhaj on Wednesday.
However, he stated that Selangor FC remains committed to pursuing the appeal process via all accessible avenues, despite the lighter penalties.
He said that the state government is prepared to aid the Red Giants in obtaining justice and supports all decisions made by the football team.
“We thank the MFL for considering the concerns of sports fans and for respecting the decree of His Royal Highness by reducing the penalties against Selangor FC.
“We urge them (Selangor FC) to use all available channels to seek justice. If it is too harsh and unfair, there are other options, perhaps at the level of the sports arbitration court,” he said.
In a statement released on Thursday, the MFL said that its board of directors had exercised discretion in reevaluating the penalties imposed on Selangor FC following and with respect for the Selangor Ruler’s decree.
The adjustment of the penalties includes a reduction of the fine to RM60,000 from RM100,000 and cancelling the three-point deduction of the football team in the 2024-2025 Super League game.
Its board of directors also lifted the ban on spectators for the 14th-week Super League match between Selangor FC and JDT at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium and allowed fans to attend.
The football authority also stated that Selangor FC can appeal against the revised penalties within three days from June 27, as provided for under the rules in the Malaysian League Manual.
Meanwhile, at the event, two state athletes received incentives of RM10,000 each following their success in bringing glory to the country in recent world championships.
The athletes, Natasha Mohamed Roslan and Nor Farah Ain Abdullah, clinched the World Bowling Championship 2023 in Kuwait, while the latter excelled in Ireland’s World Lawn Bowling Championship last April.
Najwan said the reward is a token of appreciation from the state government for their achievements.
