MFL CONFIRMS TECHNICAL ERROR IN SUPER LEAGUE MATCH TEAM LIST, KUCHING CITY FINED RM30,000

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Football League (MFL) today confirmed a technical error in the preparation of the team list for the Super League match between Penang FC and Kuching City FC at the City Stadium, Penang, on March 15.

In a statement, MFL said a comprehensive report from both teams, match officials, the Match Commissioner (MC), Game Coordinator (GC) and Fourth Official (P4) had been received and discussed at a Special Board of Directors (BOD) meeting today.

“The investigation found a technical error in the preparation of the ‘Team List’ by the Match Commissioner when Kuching City FC player Scott Philip Woods (jersey No.5) was not marked in the ‘Team List’ despite being registered in the ‘Selection List’ as a substitute,” the statement said.

According to MFL, the Board of Directors also found that the MC, GC and P4 failed to carry out the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for player checks in the dressing room in accordance with the stipulated guidelines.

In addition, a substitution in the 96th minute was allowed by the GC and P4 without thorough verification of the team list, resulting in a player not officially listed in the document being fielded.

As a result, MFL decided that Kuching City would be fined RM30,000 and issued a stern warning for negligence in ensuring the accuracy of the team list information, although the match result, which saw Kuching City defeat Penang 1-0, stands.

Meanwhile, the MC has been suspended from duties for 12 months, with the final six months under a rehabilitation phase, while the GC has been suspended for six months. Further action against the P4 is subject to a decision by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

MFL stressed that all parties, including match officials and clubs, were fully responsible for ensuring that all competition procedures are adhered to, particularly in technical aspects such as the preparation and verification of team lists.

“Any negligence that could affect the integrity of the competition will not be compromised and firm action will continue to be taken to ensure that the professional standards of the Malaysian League are upheld,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA