KUCHING: Kuching City FC have been fined RM30,000 by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) over a team list error during their Super League match against Penang FC at Stadium Bandaraya on Mar 15.
MFL’s investigation found a technical error in the squad list, where Kuching City defender Scott Philip Woods was not listed despite being registered as a substitute. The club was also found to have failed to thoroughly verify the document before confirming it.
Further findings revealed that match officials — including the Match Commissioner, Game Coordinator and Fourth Official — failed to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) in conducting player checks, while a stoppage-time substitution was approved without proper verification, allowing an unlisted player to take the field.
Despite the breach, MFL decided to maintain the result, with Kuching City securing a 1-0 win over Penang FC.
In terms of disciplinary action, the Match Commissioner has been suspended for 12 months, with the final six months under a rehabilitation phase, while the Game Coordinator received a six-month suspension. Further action against the Fourth Official will be determined by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
MFL stressed that all parties, including clubs, are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of official match documents and strict compliance with competition procedures, warning that negligence affecting the integrity of the league will not be tolerated.
