Futsal player hauled up for wearing shorts in Kelantan

KOTA BARU: The FIFA rules state that footballers must wear shorts. However, a Muslim man learnt that those rules don’t apply here.

The man who wore shorts to play futsal now faces a fine by Kelantan religious authorities.

Wan Khairul Hayyee Wali, 30, said he had no idea that he could not even wear shorts on his way to play futsal on Monday.

“I have been wearing shorts to go play futsal for many years since my school going years.

“Therefore it came as a shock to me when a religious department enforcement officer gave me a notice saying I have flouted the Syariah Criminal Enactment by exposing my knees.

“Seriously, they can't expect me to wear a sarong to play futsal,” said Wan Khairul, a general worker at a wholesale store.

Khairul was slapped with the notice at 10.45pm on Monday.

He was ordered to attend a counseling session next month, failing which he would be hauled to the Syariah court where he risks being fined RM1,000 if found guilty.

Khairul had tried explaining to the officer that he was on his way to play futsal and that he had got down from his car just to buy a burger for his wife.

“If I had not stopped over for the burger, I would never have known that it was an offence to wear shorts even when on the way to play sports,” he said.

Khairul said he would attend the counselling session.

“If it is an offence, they have to make it clear to the public. How are we supposed to know it is an offence because even football players wear shorts,” he said.

A Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department officer said the dress code was strictly applicable for Muslims only.

“We do not take action against non-Muslims. We do not even take action if a female non-Muslim wears shorts in public,” said the officer.

The officer also said Wan Khairul would not have to pay any fine if he attended the counselling session.

“We just want Muslims to dress decently in public spaces, in keeping with our religious teachings,” said the officer.