MFL MUST BE CONSISTENT, EXPLAIN RATIONALE BEHIND EVERY PUNISHMENT - OBSERVER

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Football League (MFL) needs to be consistent with its punishment and explain the rationale behind every decision made to avoid a negative perception.

This is the view of sports analyst and local football observer Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli, who feels that being the administrator of the Malaysia League (M-League), all actions taken by the MFL need to be consistent.

He said every punishment meted out ought to be based on existing rules so that it won't raise doubts or be challenged.

"I am more inclined to any punishment meted out to be clearly spelt out based on such and such a regulation, (thus showing) this is the punishment used against the offence that was committed. Refering to the rules and regulations is crucial to brushing aside any negative perception.

"In this context (MFL and Selangor), when punishment is meted out and, in just one day, it is reduced, surely it is up to MFL's discretion but the public will look at it as being inconsistent,” he said when contacted today.

He said this when asked to comment on the MFL's decision to reduce the fine imposed on Selangor FC within 24  hours following the Red Giants’ failure to play in the Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in Johor on May 10.

Pekan, though, did not rule out the possibility that the earlier punishment meted out had been made in haste.

"I can see how the MFL may have been hasty in meting out the punishment but I prefer to remain positive as long as the tense situation returns to normal,” he said.

Yesterday, the MFL reduced the fine imposed on Selangor FC from RM100,000 to RM60,000, in addition to rescinding the three-point deduction for the 2024-2025 Super League season.

In addition, the MFL also rescinded its decision for Selangor FC's Super League Match Week 14 game against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) to be played behind closed doors at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium, saying fans can now attend the game.

However, Selangor FC will still have to compensate the host team JDT and the MFL for the losses incurred and the MFL has also given the Red Giants three days from yesterday to appeal.

The MFL made the U-turn a day after the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he was extremely upset with the latest MFL decision.

Meanwhile, Pekan expressed disappointment regarding the current situation in the country's football arena and said that local football had the potential to achieve better heights, as shown by teams like JDT, Selangor and Terengganu FC (TFC).

As such, he urged all parties to set aside their quarrels and mobilise their energy towards developing the country's number one sport.

"We have fantastic clubs like JDT, Selangor and TFC. We want them to be great on the field, (and) be great teams... we do not want off-field matters to overshadow their on-field qualities. We want to see the teams move forward so that they can contribute to the growth of the national squad.

"When there's too much unrest, it will affect not only the spirit and passion of the players but also that of the officials and supporters. If we don't want this to happen, then we must practice self-evaluation, be magnanimous and stay humble… make it our goal to advance our national football,” he said.

-- BERNAMA