MIFA LASH OUT AT ‘CRAZY FINE’

Team threaten to pull out from Premier League

THE Malaysian Indian FA (MIFA) would rather withdraw from the Premier League than pay a “crazy” fine for submitting registration documents past the deadline. MIFA president Datuk T. Mohan said the fine of RM500,000, which makes up onesixth of the club’s budget of RM6 million, imposed by Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) is unreasonable in comparison to the offence.

“If they are going to impose a fine like this then there is no point putting up a team,” said Mohan during a MIFA oathtaking ceremony against corruption and drugs in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“We’re here not to make money but to develop football in the community and produce players for the nation. Since we’re not a money-making club, it would be better to withdraw if they are going to fine us this much.”

On Tuesday, FMLLP announced a fine of RM1.5 million for four Super League teams and RM500,000 for six Premier League sides for submitting late or incomplete registration documents for the 2018 season.

Mohan questioned how the FMLLP board arrived at the figures when the MLeague rules and regulations contain no such provision.

“The figure is not logical, RM500,000 is crazy,” said Mohan. “It is not spelled out in the laws how much fine is for each offence.

“All of a sudden they announce the fine after a board meeting. I feel it is very unreasonable because it’s not just us, but most teams are struggling to make money.

“At least if they gave us a grant of RM5 million then the fine is not an issue but until now, even the subsidy of RM1 million they announced has not been given and we have to scrape around for funds. So how are we to pay the fine?”

Mohan confirmed that MIFA will appeal the severity of the fine to FMLPP.

“We hope they consider our appeal seriously because it is not fair,” he said. “We are a new team and we are still learning about the regulations so mistakes will happen.”