HRH Tunku Ismail, the Crown Prince of Johor, has expressed strong criticism toward those evading salary payments within Malaysian football, pointing directly at the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
Tunku Ismail’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the declining attendance at Malaysian League matches. Recent data shared by MakanBola revealed a significant drop in spectator numbers, sparking widespread debate about the waning interest in local football.
Addressing the issue, Tunku Ismail highlighted several factors believed to be contributing to the decline:
“JDT won, the stadium and field are not beautiful, the team players are not getting paid, the players are not enthusiastic, it is rainy season, the people in charge of the club do not care and so on.”
He emphasized that poor club management, including delayed salary payments, unmaintained facilities, and a lack of player motivation, has fueled the current state of affairs.
In a metaphorical statement, Tunku Ismail likened the situation to a housing estate where a well-maintained house is overshadowed by poorly kept homes in the neighborhood:
“If our neighbor’s house is beautiful and our house is not maintained, are we crazy to burn down the entire housing estate?”
The Johor royal further criticized those who deflect blame onto FAM and MFL while neglecting their financial responsibilities, proposing the immediate introduction of Financial Fair Play regulations and the independence of the Refereeing Body from FAM’s oversight.
He also urged clubs dissatisfied with local referees to hire foreign officials:
“Not satisfied either, pay for a foreign referee. Eleven years of all sorts of excuses and conspiracies.”
Credit Photo : Jayden Seah/SNE-Photo
