KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor FC are ready to fight all the way - even to the extent of taking the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to the international Court of Sports Arbitration (CAS).
This despite the MFL, slammed by the public for its controversial sanctions against Selangor for withdrawing (after their appeal for postponement was rejected) from the Charity Shield match due to safety concerns following the acid attack on their star Faisal Halim, reducing the punishments.
MFL initially fined Selangor RM100,000, but later reduced the amount to RM60,000. The M-League organiser had also earlier docked the Red Giants three league points and ordered them to play their home match against JDT behind closed doors. These punishments were later rescinded by MFL. However, Selangor were still ordered to pay compensations to MFL and JDT.
This has led to representatives from both the government bloc and opposition in the Selangor state legislative uniting against MFL's sanctions. They approved an emergency motion unanimously yesterday, condemning acts of extreme violence against athletes.
Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Najwan Halimi said they want to bring the MFL case to the highest judicial level.
Najwan said Selangor have engaged a lawyer, and are considering going to the to CAS because the MFL sanctions are oppressive.
"This decision stems from the initial severity of MFL's penalties, which only saw reconsideration following statements from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
"Nevertheless, Selangor FC remain committed to pursuing all available avenues of appeal to seek justice," said Najwan.
He made these remarks following the conclusion of the emergency motion condemning extreme acts of violence against athletes at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.
"We express our deep appreciation to Sultan Sharafuddin, for his concern and attention to the issues raised today.
"Previously, there were no issues in this sport that necessitated His Majesty's intervention, and we respect 'Daulat Tuanku' as the voice of the people.
"We, both in government and opposition, stand united in our support for His Majesty... Daulat Tuanku," said Najwan.