KUALA LUMPUR – The Amateur Football League (AFL) has pledged to deliver a series of safety briefings for tournament organisers sanctioned by the governing body, with the aim of preventing violent brawls for the remainder of the year.
Speaking to Scoop, AFL chairman Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, who also serves as the deputy president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), expressed concern over the tarnished image of the governing body due to past incidents.
He said that AFL’s sanctioning of these amateur-level football tournaments aims to enhance the sport’s standing in the country.
“The incidents from last year tarnished our reputation, and we aim to prevent a recurrence. AFL will conduct safety briefings with all sanctioned tournament organisers in the coming days, focusing on safety protocols and guidelines.
“If issues persist, we may resort to banning organisers and offering opportunities to those committed to organising tournaments responsibly.
“We play a significant role by providing a platform for community players to excel in football and become part of a structured system. Participation in AFL-sanctioned tournaments can lead to opportunities in the M4 League and M3 League in the future.
“Not every young player in our country has access to state academies or youth clubs. This provides another avenue for them. We would be delighted if players from AFL ranks are selected to play in Malaysia Super League clubs,” said Yusoff when contacted.
Violent incidents often marred community league competitions throughout last season.
Fights not only involved players or attacks on referees, but also saw spectators on the side of the field engaging in brawls due to dissatisfaction with the referees or from provocation by opposing supporters.
Several cases witnessed victims being severely beaten to the point of injury, and subsequently referred to the police.
It was reported that the Terengganu Football League (TFL) conducted a comprehensive investigation into a fight between NAG FC and KESA FC in the M5 League that resulted in individuals being seriously injured in January at the Terengganu State Sports Complex in Gong Badak.
The police investigation was conducted according to Section 146 of the Penal Code for rioting.
Founded in 2018, the M5 League is a group of leagues consisting of various state FA, community, and social leagues, which are part of AFL’s plan to reform the Malaysian football league structure.
AFL, sanctioned by FAM to govern amateur-level football, currently oversees 15 tournaments nationwide, with plans to increase to 20 by year-end. – April 8, 2024