FAM praise ref Razlan's 'spot-on' decisions in Malaysia Cup final
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) believe referee Razlan Joffri Ali did an excellent job officiating the Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Sri Pahang on Saturday.
The association insisted Razlan's decisions during the match, which JDT won 2-1 to retain their title, were spot on.
FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram, who also heads the referees' committee, said an in-depth review of Razlan's performance showed the official was in control throughout the Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
"According to the referee assessor's report, Razlan managed the match to a high standard, and none of his decisions influenced the final outcome," said Sivasundaram after reviewing reports from FAM's referees' unit and referees' performance committee.
"Both the referees' unit and the performance committee analysed the match and confirmed that the second yellow cards — which resulted in send-offs for both teams — were issued correctly under FIFA's Laws of the Game 2024-25.
"The penalty awarded to JDT and the disallowed goal for offside were also the right calls.
"Every major incident was reviewed properly by VAR, and VAR protocol was followed to an excellent standard."
Sivasundaram added that all key match incidents were judged fairly in accordance with the rules.
"It's only human to make small mistakes, but none affected the final result. Both teams had an equal chance of winning, and it was down to them to decide the outcome.
"FAM remains fully committed to upholding refereeing standards and will never compromise on officiating quality," he said.
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