Penang FC Still Awaiting MFL Response On Issue Of Ineligible Substitute

GEORGE TOWN, March 26 (Bernama) -- Penang FC are still awaiting a response from the Malaysian Football League (MFL) following allegations that Kuching City FC fielded an unregistered player as a substitute during their Super League match at City Stadium on March 15.

State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said they have lodged an official complaint with the Malaysia League (M-League) organising body.

"The Code of Conduct clearly states that any team that fields ineligible players who are not registered or do not meet the qualifications for other reasons is automatically considered to have violated the regulations.

"This matter is quite clear, as based on the starting list signed by the Match Commissioner, the name of the player fielded by Kuching City FC was not in the official list,” he said at a media conference on the signing of the maiden collaboration between Penang FC and the Football Association of Penang (FAP) for the 2026 season in Komtar here today.

Kuching City had fielded Scott Woods in the match that saw them defeat Penang FC 1-0.

Following that, Penang FC, on March 17, said in a statement that they had submitted an official complaint to MFL after the matter went viral on social media.

On March 18, Kuching City chief executive officer Iswandi Ali Hassan explained that the 20-player list sent on match day was supposed to have Woods’ name, while Danial Amier's was supposed to be omitted. However, due to a technical glitch, Woods’ name was left out, and that of Danial Amier, who was then still in Kuching, was included.

Earlier, Gooi, who is also the Penang FC manager, announced the first collaboration with FAP to manage and develop the Youth Cup (Under-18) and President's Cup (Under-20) teams for the 2026 season in strengthening the football development ecosystem in Penang.

Under this initiative, he said Penang FC would provide the overall budget, while FAP would be fully responsible for the management and operations of the two teams.

"FAP will play a crucial role in identifying, developing and showcasing talented local players who have the potential to be roped into the main Penang FC squad in the future,” he said.

Gooi said player selection would be held from tomorrow until Sunday, starting at 4 pm, at Pitch A and A1 of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and welcomed local players to attend the sessions.

Meanwhile, he also announced that Penang FC supporters aged 60 and above whose birthday is in April can watch the Challenge Cup final between Penang FC and Sabah FC at the City Stadium on April 4 for free.

He said those eligible only need to present their identity cards at the stadium entrance for verification, and that this is Penang FC's way of showing their appreciation for supporters in that age group.

Gooi witnessed the signing of the collaboration by Penang FC general manager Jeffrey Chew and FAP president Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff.

-- BERNAMA