Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon, said the proposal is crucial in enhancing the integrity of competitions and restoring confidence in the league’s refereeing system.
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor FC has proposed the establishment of an independent professional refereeing body as one of three key measures to improve officiating standards and strengthen governance in the Malaysian League (M-League).
Its chief executive officer, Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon, said the proposal is crucial in enhancing the integrity of competitions and restoring confidence in the league’s refereeing system.
“The formation of an independent professional refereeing body could position the M-League as a strong benchmark within ASEAN.
“Secondly, we propose that League Partners, as the largest stakeholders in M-League, be given greater representation on the board of the MFL (Malaysian Football League). At present, League Partners hold only three seats on a 10-member board.
“So, I believe it is important to have at least a majority of seats, maybe six out of 10, or at the very least move towards a majority,” he told reporters after the MFL roundtable discussion with M-League club representatives here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Johan Kamal said that the third proposal involves creating a pathway for referrals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which could enhance accountability in league management while boosting confidence among investors and sponsors.
The roundtable discussion followed calls from several clubs for a formal platform to address critical issues, including governance, finances and the league’s direction amid ongoing challenges.
Recurring concerns raised include delays in salary payments to players and team officials by certain clubs, as well as rising operational costs that continue to burden many teams.
The roundtable discussion also saw a surprise appearance by the Regent of Johor, His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), who also shared his views and emphasised several fundamental issues requiring serious attention, including grassroots development, refereeing standards, sponsorship and financial discipline among clubs.
