Penang FC is still waiting for the MFL’s decision after alleging Kuching City FC used an unregistered substitute, a clear breach of league regulations
GEORGE TOWN: Penang FC is still awaiting a formal response from the Malaysian Football League (MFL) regarding its official complaint that Kuching City FC fielded an ineligible substitute.
The alleged breach occurred during a Super League match at City Stadium on March 15, which Kuching City won 1-0.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the complaint was lodged with the M-League organising body. He stated the code of conduct is clear on the matter of unregistered players.
“The Code of Conduct clearly states that any team that fields ineligible players who are not registered or do not meet the qualifications for other reasons is automatically considered to have violated the regulations,” Gooi said.
He added the issue was evident from the starting list signed by the Match Commissioner, which did not include the name of the player Kuching City FC fielded.
Kuching City had brought on Scott Woods as a substitute in the match. Penang FC submitted its formal complaint to the MFL on March 17 after the incident circulated on social media.
Kuching City CEO Iswandi Ali Hassan subsequently explained the omission was due to a technical glitch. He said a 20-player list sent on match day was supposed to include Woods and omit Danial Amier.
However, a technical error resulted in Woods’ name being left out and Amier’s name being included, despite the latter being in Kuching at the time.
Separately, Gooi, who is also Penang FC manager, announced a new collaboration with the Football Association of Penang. The partnership will manage and develop the Youth Cup and President’s Cup teams for the 2026 season.
Under this initiative, Penang FC will provide the overall budget. FAP will be fully responsible for the management and operations of the two Under-18 and Under-20 teams.
“FAP will play a crucial role in identifying, developing and showcasing talented local players who have the potential to be roped into the main Penang FC squad in the future,” Gooi said.
Player selection for these squads will be held from tomorrow until Sunday at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Gooi also announced a special offer for senior supporters ahead of the Challenge Cup final.
Penang FC supporters aged 60 and above with a birthday in April can watch the final against Sabah FC on April 4 for free. Eligible fans need only present their identity cards at the stadium entrance for verification.
Gooi witnessed the signing of the collaboration agreement between Penang FC general manager Jeffrey Chew and FAP president Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff.
