KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football seems to be running into all sorts of problems; from unpaid salaries to referee abuse and violence on the field.
And it's no longer just about the top tier Super League.
Now, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has to deal with problems at grassroots level involving teenagers.
In the latest episode of this ugliness, a video of a brawl between two teams in FAM's Liga Suparimau, a grassroots Under-16 age group competition, went viral.
It involved the Akademi MZ and FCKL Eagles teams at the New Camp pitch in Damansara on Sunday.
There was kicking and punching among the players as coaches and parents from both sides tried to defuse the situation. But a scuffle turned into a full brawl.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said he was alarmed by the incident and had asked Suparimau organiser, Maxim Events, to submit a full report on the incident.
"This is something unacceptable. The Liga Suparimau is a grassroots programme and seeing players at this level brawling is not healthy.
"I personally am very particular with disciplinary issues," said Azman.
"Football at the grassroots level is supposed to inculcate positive values like discipline, friendship and anti-racism.
"These values are important outside football too.
"We are very disappointed with the conduct of the players.
"They are only Under-16 but resorting to violent conduct.
"We will take appropriate action after receiving the report from the organisers."
Azman said FAM can only decide on the next course of action after receiving the report, and he will also talk to its legal department and technical and development committee on the matter.
The Liga Suparimau, which was launched in 2021, is a series of youth football leagues for five to 17-year-olds.
Its goal is to provide professionally-run leagues across Malaysia a pathway for young footballers to develop their full potential.
The league involves 30,380 youth players between the ages of five and 17.
It was only last week Timesport reported that referees in Malaysian football's lower leagues had to endure physical and verbal abuse from spectators, players, and officials. There were at least three cases in the last two months.
"We are saddened by the recent development with issues at the lower level.
"Everyone involved with football should know that there are rules in football.
"We hope everyone respects and adheres to the rules," added Azman.