Melaka United, KL furious with MFL

United and Kuala Lumpur are furious with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for punishing them.

And they have appealed against the 50 per cent reduction in annual grant for not meeting the final registration deadline.

Melaka and Kuala Lumpur are not in an apologetic mood, and have taken the same hostile stance as the FA of Sarawak (FAS).

Melaka United Soccer Association (MUSA) secretary general Farhan Ibrahim said yesterday the punishment is uncalled for, and that the MFL should have been more sympathetic.

“I see the punishment as unreasonable because we have submitted an appeal. Among the documents we failed to produce was the letter of understanding from a private company or government-linked company as sponsors for 2019.

“The previous sponsors’ contracts ended in 2018 and to extend contracts such as Edra or Mamee, it would take time.

“GLC sponsorship needs decisions from board of directors before the sponsorship amount is determined for 2019.

“MFL should also be aware of the shift in power that occurred in 2018 as Melaka United is not fully dependent on private sponsorship.”

KLFA secretary general Nokman Mustaffa said he was taken aback when MFL failed to provide solutions other than ask them to “write an appeal-lah”.

“We met with MFL officials at their office and we were transparent with them, told them our problems and situation but it’s as if they didn’t want to hear it.

“So if they wanted to call us, at least take into consideration our situation and give us solutions because if we need to do it (paperwork) again then we will.

“I don’t know how they look at it (the situation) but if I were a leader there, I would ask each team about their situation because it’s like a parent-child situation.

“If you are a parent and your child is sick, obviously you would ask what’s wrong and try to help.”

On the other hand, Felda United did not lash out at MFL. Felda United secretary general Afizal Abu Othman said MFL have rules that teams need to abide.

“Our documentation are complete and it was categorised as “light”, so we will get a chance to shave our punishment and MFL have said they will help because so far they have helped a lot and acted swiftly,” said Afizal.

“We submitted our documents on Jan 10 because after the December 31 deadline, teams were given until the end of January.

“Everyone needs the grant but for Felda United, the rules MFL set are something we need to comply with and when we failed to do so, we were fined.”