State govt launches fundraising campaign to help pay Selangor FC’s fine

Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said MFL’s actions had caused widespread disappointment and anger among Selangor FC’s supporters.

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government has announced a fundraising campaign to help Selangor FC pay the RM100,000 fine imposed by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) after the team withdrew from last month’s Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

Menteri besar Amirudin Shari said further details on the fundraising efforts would be shared soon by the Selangor state sports council and the state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship.

“I have discussed with the Selangor sports executive councillor and the state government has agreed to launch a joint effort,” he said in a statement.

“This will give an opportunity for all parties, including fans of the Red Giants (Selangor FC’s nickname), to contribute funds to settle the fine imposed by the MFL.”

“I, along with the executive council members, will also contribute to fundraising efforts and the settlement of the fine next week, demonstrating our commitment to upholding justice for Selangor FC.”

Earlier today, Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah voiced anger and disappointment at MFL for imposing such “excessive and unreasonable” penalties on Selangor FC.

He also lambasted Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Hamidin Amin for not speaking out on behalf of Selangor FC, despite previously serving as the state football association’s secretary-general and given a Datukship by the sultan.

Echoing similar sentiments as the Selangor sultan, Amirudin said MFL’s “unprecedented actions” had caused widespread anger and disappointment among supporters.

“As the regulatory body of the football league, MFL should uphold justice, oppose violence and demonstrate empathy towards the plight and safety of national football players who have been subjected to cruelty by heartless perpetrators,” he said.