Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Sultan of Selangor expressed his disappointment and deep sorrow with the decision of members of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) as well as members of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), especially FAM President Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin regarding the case of Selangor FC’s absence the Piala Sumbangsih match on 10 May 2024.
In a statement, His Majesty was also surprised because Hamidin did not speak seriously even though he was previously the Secretary General of the Selangor Football Association (FAS) from 1995 to 2013 and experienced in the Selangor football arena as well as a recipient of Dato’ Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s honour. (DSIS) from His Majesty.
“Beta is very disappointed and saddened by the decision of the members of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) as well as the members of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), especially the President of FAM, Dato’ Hamidin Mohd Amin. Beta was surprised and disappointed because Dato’ Hamidin did not speak seriously even though he was previously the former Secretary General of the Selangor Football Association (FAS) from 1995 to 2013 and experienced in the Selangor football arena and received the honor of Dato’ Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ( D.S.I.S.) from Beta.” According to statement of Sultan of Selangor.
“Beta is very angry with this latest decision of MFL which Beta considers irresponsible, made without courtesy, inhumane, and does not show concern for the tyranny that occurs.”
“Last May 5, a criminal case of acid attack that threatened the life of Selangor and Malaysian football icon, Faisal Halim. Several other incidents of attacks against professional football players also occurred in the same week. Because of that, Beta has already given permission to Selangor FC to send a request to postpone the Piala Sumbangsih match because the Selangor FC players are still in a state of trauma and fear. However, the MFL rejected the postponement request and awarded a 3-0 win and the Sumbangsih Cup championship to the opponent.”
“Beta is of the view that the punishment handed down, which is a fine of RM100,000, compensation for losses borne by the home team and MFL, deduction of three points and the punishment of playing the match (LS14) without spectators is absurd and extremely excessive considering that the victory has already been given to the opposing team.”
“Beta has been involved in the local football arena since 1968 when FAS was led by Dato’ Seri Harun Idris until Beta retired in 1990, and in that period Beta has never seen the situation like it is now. A sport that should be a platform of unity between multiple races and people, has now been tainted with violence. Even worse, MFL and FAM are not serious about speaking up and taking the necessary precautions regarding the aspect of violence and cruelty that happens to the players.”
“Beta is also very strange because MFL and FAM do not show sympathy and compassion towards the parties who are persecuted in this issue. It should be remembered that what happened will not only tarnish the credibility of football in this country, but can also kill the spirit and direction of the Selangor FC team.
Beta now only acts as Patron in FAS. But if Beta is the leader of the leadership of FAS and Selangor FC, Beta does not hesitate to withdraw the Selangor team from the Super League for a certain period of time.”
“Beta would like to remind once again that football is a sport that is loved and unites Malaysians based on high sportsmanship. These extreme actions by the MFL do not represent this spirit at all and will only damage the image of the local football industry and public support for the sport we love.”
“Beta reminds MFL, make decisions carefully.”
Credit Photo : Selangor Royal Office