By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, June 26 — The state government has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to help Selangor FC pay off the RM100,000 fine imposed by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for missing the May 10 Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision was made after discussing the matter with the state executive councillor for sports Mohd Najwan Halimi.
This was motivated by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj’s earlier statement condemning the MFL and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for their hand-handed action against the Red Giants.
“Further information pertaining to this effort will be shared by the Selangor State Sports Council and Najwan in the near future.
“As an initiation, the state executive councillors and I will contribute to the fundraising campaign to pay off the fine next week as part of our commitment to upholding justice for Selangor FC,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier today, His Royal Highness issued a strongly-worded statement lambasting MFL and FAM for penalising Selangor FC for missing the season opener against JDT, despite attempts to postpone the match amid fears over players’ safety after star winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim was attacked by acid.
MFL had fined Selangor FC RM100,000, deducted them three points in the Malaysia Super League, ordered them to compensate the MFL and JDT, and required them to play their home league game against JDT behind closed doors.
Sultan Sharafuddin expressed bemusement at the “senseless and outrageous” action taken, especially as JDT had already been awarded a 3-0 victory in the Charity Shield match.
Representing the state government, Amirudin expressed his deep gratitude for His Royal Highness’ statement of disapproval of the excessive punishment imposed by the football authority.
“His Royal Highness’ decree is a reflection of the anger and disappointment of football fans towards the decision made by the MFL, which appears to lack humanity and compassion.
“The reaction from football fans to this unprecedented action taken by the MFL should serve as a signal that their decision was made without any sense of responsibility,” he said.
Amirudin added that the football league’s governing body, the MFL should instead uphold justice, oppose violence, and show empathy for the safety of national football players who are treated cruelly by “heartless individuals acting like cowards.”
