KUALA LUMPUR – The overwhelming support from Malaysians in raising funds to pay Selangor FC’s fine imposed by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) demonstrates that football truly “belongs to the people.”
In less than a week, the team raised RM76,490.06 through a solidarity fund, showcasing the public’s dedication to their beloved sport.
The initiative was launched by the Selangor state government via the State Sports Council between June 26 and July 2.
The contributions were presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to Selangor FC CEO Johan Kamal Hamidon at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Building, Shah Alam today.
Donations came not only from the public but also from organisations such as Shah Alam City Council, KDEB Waste Management and other corporate bodies.
Several Selangor state assembly members, including Jamaliah Jamaluddin (Bandar Utama), S. Preakas (Kota Kemuning) and Cheong Kian Young (Kajang), also voluntarily contributed part of their June allowances to the fund.
Johan expressed profound gratitude on behalf of Selangor FC, noting that the amount raised exceeded the RM60,000 fine imposed on them.
However, Selangor FC still need to compensate Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and the MFL for “commercial losses incurred” after withdrawing from the Charity Shield on May 10 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Nevertheless, Johan believes the solidarity demonstrated is a clear indication of Malaysians’ enduring love for their country’s football.
“We are deeply touched by the support of all Malaysians. On the day the MFL announced their decision, we saw on various social media platforms many offering to contribute.
“This call from the people was taken up by the Selangor state government through the menteri besar and Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi to launch this solidarity fund initiative without involving Selangor FC.
“We are very grateful and touched by the support shown.
“What is shown here is that football indeed belongs to the people, and whatever the people feel is not right, they will voice their opinions and feelings, and they will do their best to correct what they feel is wrong.
“In the end, it shows the power of the people in football,” said Johan.
Initially, Selangor FC were fined RM100,000, deducted three points from the 2024/2025 Super League season, and faced a spectator ban for the upcoming match against JDT at the MBPJ Stadium due to their withdrawal from the Charity Shield.
This decision by the Red Giants followed concerns over the team’s safety after an acid attack on forward Faisal Halim.
The MFL’s sanctions also angered Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, leading the league body to revise them. It gave a 40% discount on the fine, lifted the spectator ban and overturned the points deduction. – July 3, 2024