GEORGE TOWN: Penang are still awaiting a response from the Malaysian Football League (MFL) following allegations that Kuching City fielded an unregistered player as a substitute during their Super League match at City Stadium on March 15.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said they have lodged an official complaint with the Malaysian League organising body.
“The code of conduct clearly states that any team that field ineligible players who are not registered or do not meet the qualifications for other reasons is automatically considered to have violated the regulations,” he said at a media conference on the signing of the maiden collaboration between Penang and the Football Association of Penang (FAP) for the 2026 season in Komtar yesterday.
“This matter is quite clear, as based on the starting list signed by the match commissioner, the name of the player fielded by Kuching City was not in the official list.
Kuching City had fielded Scott Woods in the match that saw them defeat Penang 1-0.
Following that, Penang, on March 17, said in a statement that they had submitted an official complaint to MFL after the matter went viral on social media.
On March 18, Kuching City chief executive officer Iswandi Ali Hassan explained that the 20-player list sent on match day was supposed to have Woods’ name, while Danial Amier’s was supposed to be omitted.
However, due to a technical glitch, Woods’ name was left out, and that of Danial Amier, who was then still in Kuching, was included.
Earlier, Daniel , who is also the Penang manager, announced the first collaboration with FAP to manage and develop the Youth Cup (Under-18) and President’s Cup (Under-20) teams for the 2026 season in strengthening the football development ecosystem in Penang.
Under this initiative, he said Penang would provide the overall budget, while FAP would be fully responsible for the management and operations of the two 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 squad in the future,” he said. — Bernama
