THE PLOT THICKENS
Unpopular decisions put MFL chief executive Kevin on warpath with critics
IS there a plot to oust Malaysia Football League (MFL) chief executive Kevin Ramalingam?
It is learnt that several disgruntled teams are ganging up on Kevin following several unpopular decisions of late by MFL.
The last straw came when MFL sanctioned seven teams for not complying with the M-League registration deadline on Dec 31.
MFL imposed a 50 per cent annual grant deduction on Kuala Lumpur, Felda United, Melaka, Kelantan, Police, Sarawak and Penang on Monday.
KL, Kelantan, Penang, Police and Sarawak were also slapped
with transfer bans in the second transfer window (on May 2-29) for being repeat offenders in completing their registration.
The five teams and Melaka were also ordered to submit their financial documents for the 2019 season including documents showing that they have settled the players’ salary arrears.
“There is something brewing. Some elected individuals of state FAs and clubs have ganged up and are plotting something against Kevin. We will see what happens,” said a reliable source yesterday.
“However, it is a small group of disgruntled individuals and their move does not represent the majority of stakeholders.”
It is not the first time he has been targeted by critics for MFL board’s ‘unpopular ’ decisions. The 44-year-old is often criticised on social media mainly by those who have personal agendas.
Kevin was appointed as chief executive when MFL were known as Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2015.
Although Kevin, a tireless worker, has put 100 per cent effort in his hope of seeing the MLeague turning into a more respected league in Asia, many do not see eye-to-eye with MFL over several matters.
However, the Petaling Jayaborn is well-liked by most in the football fraternity.
He works well with MFL chairman Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and their partnership together with other board members have brought positive changes to the M-League.