KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- In the midst of the turmoil that has engulfed the Malaysian Football League (M-League) competition, speculation has arisen about a possible change in the top leadership structure of the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
This follows rumours swirling today that the M-League governing body's chief executive officer Giorgio Pompili Rossi, who was appointed in September last year, is no longer in his position.
In fact, the office of the former LaLiga delegation in Malaysia in Kelana Jaya was also allegedly vacated, thus fueling speculation to the issue and raising questions about its position in the MFL.
MFL has not issued any statement on the matter so far.
A source close to MFL confirmed that Rossi did not attend a meeting which was also attended by MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan in Kelana Jaya today.
"He (Rossi) was not in the meeting on the league competition today, making everyone wonder, the president will answer on this matter," he said in a brief message when contacted by Bernama today.
As of press time of this report, Bernama is still waiting for feedback and clarification from MFL management, including Ab Ghani.
Rossi became the first foreigner to be appointed as MFL's CEO, replacing Datuk Stuart Ramalingam whose contract expired on Aug 31.
He first established himself in Malaysia as a LaLiga Delegate from 2017 until 2021 and he played a key role in developing the Spanish league brand and promoting Spanish clubs among football fans in the country.
He then expanded his career as a Thailand LaLiga Delegation and also carried out operations in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar before being appointed as the CEO of MFL.
Last month, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is known for his influence in the local football scene, expressed views on the situation of the M-League which was considered unsatisfactory, including the issue of the pitch and the delay in the payment of players' salaries.
The Regent of Johor, poularly known as TMJ, also suggested that the principle of Financial Fair Play be introduced immediately to ensure the financial stability of the team, besides emphasising the need for an independent refereeing body that is not under the influence of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
-- BERNAMA
