PETALING JAYA: It has not been the easiest of weeks for Datuk Stuart Ramalingam.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief executive officer Stuart has had to deal with criticism over the way his organisation reversed several decisions in penalising Selangor for withdrawing from last month’s Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Yesterday, rumour broke out that he was resigning from his position as the CEO but Stuart denied it but said that a negotiation was taking place as his contract with MFL would end in August.
“All I can say for now is that I am committed to MFL and discussions are ongoing pertaining to my contract that ends in August,” said Stuart, whose deal with the body ends August 30.
“Anything official on this matter will be announced in due course but for now, I’m still committed to my role.”
Stuart has been on the firing line as many had questioned the handling of the Selangor situation and the lack of empathy shown towards them when they requested for the Charity Shield game to be postponed.
But rules were set and the body announced several sanctions against the Red Giants.
Selangor had the right to appeal but their ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah slammed MFL’s ‘excessive’ punishment.
It led MFL to make a U-turn by reducing the fine from RM100,000 to RM60,000 and cancelled their decision to dock three points. They have also allowed spectators to watch Selangor’s next match against JDT in the Super League at home.
That did not go down well with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ) as he questioned MFL’s decision, saying that they were not sticking to their guns and had set a precedent for other clubs to follow in the future.
Earlier, Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) president Safee Sali said it was time for the higher-ups in the body, especially president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan and Stuart to restore the image of MFL.
Will Stuart continue his role as CEO and restore the reputation of Malaysian football or will it be the final whistle for one of the most charismatic administrators?
