TMJ mocks MFL: 'Ask your Sultan for lighter penalties now'

Tunku Ismail also known as TMJ, sarcastically suggested that clubs violating regulations in the future should seek intervention from their state rulers. - Photo credit: HRH Crown Prince of Johor

SHAH ALAM - The Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim expressed his displeasure with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for reducing the penalties imposed on Selangor FC following their withdrawal from the Piala Sumbangsih match last month.

Tunku Ismail also known as TMJ, sarcastically suggested that clubs violating regulations in the future should seek intervention from their state rulers.

He implied that this method could influence the MFL to reconsider and reduce penalties, as seen in Selangor FC’s case.

“Any team that commits an offence can now ask their Sultan to write to the MFL, requesting a reduction or withdrawal of penalties.

"After this, other sultans will also ask why Selangor can get their punishment reduced but their states can’t,” he said in a Facebook post.

As the owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Tunku Ismail highlighted that JDT had previously faced significant fines and sanctions without any intervention from the Sultan of Johor.

He recounted his own experience, where he received a six-month ban and an RM18,000 fine in 2013 for criticising league referees, noting that his father, Sultan Ibrahim, did not intervene.

The controversy arose after Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor expressed his anger over the MFL's initial decision to impose a RM100,000 fine and dock three points from Selangor FC.

The penalties were a result of Selangor’s withdrawal from the Piala Sumbangsih match against JDT, citing safety concerns following an acid attack on their winger, Faisal Halim.

In response to Sultan Sharafuddin’s disapproval, the MFL reduced Selangor FC’s fine to RM60,000, revoked the point deduction, and lifted the spectator ban for the upcoming Super League match between Selangor FC and JDT at MBPJ Stadium.

“MFL made a U-turn (in Selangor FC’s case) without receiving an appeal letter.

"Those who have been attacking MFL online endlessly should now start praising MFL,” Tunku Ismail added.

Despite the reduction, Selangor FC announced their intention to appeal the remaining penalties, as granted by the MFL's decision to allow a three-day window for further appeals.