Prior to any sports event or league competition can be held in Johor, the relevant sports’ governing bodies must provide advice and approval.
Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, chairman of the State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, and Cooperatives Committee, stated that many leagues in the state were not sanctioned due to a lack of proper approval and guidance.
“Any sports events organised in Johor must consult their respective governing bodies at both the national and state levels. Otherwise, they won’t be able to organise any leagues.
“Many illegal leagues are held in the state without sanction from the Johor Football Association (JFA) or district associations led by district officers, he added.
“All sports, not just football, must be approved by the relevant associations in Johor. “I will establish this rule at the next meeting,” he said after attending a clock-in ceremony at the Johor State Sports Council office in Kota Iskandar, on 20th July 2026.
Previously, Hairi was asked to comment on the death of a 12-year-old boy who collapsed during an under-12 football tournament at a sports centre in Ekoflora on Saturday.
Hairi stated that the tournament was held without the knowledge or approval of either the state football association or the Johor Bahru Football Association (JBFA).
The Larkin Assemblyman also reminded parents and guardians that any tournaments their children participate must be officially approved.
“Moving forward, I hope the safety and medical aspects are thoroughly reviewed. I also urge the football association to take this matter seriously and either take action or contact the organiser to explain what occurred.
“Organised tournaments must have approval letters from the relevant sports’ governing body.
For example, in football, the association’s logo must be displayed at the event so that parents can determine whether the tournament is sanctioned or not,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the JFA announced in a statement that it would take proactive steps to tighten conditions for football tournaments involving third-party organisers by implementing mandatory safety standard operating procedures.
According to the JFA, safety must come first, especially for events involving children and youth.
“Several changes will be implemented to improve safety standards, including requiring organisers to obtain match sanctions from both district football associations and the JFA.
“Facility owners or managers are also prohibited from renting out or allowing the use of fields for football tournaments without proof of an official approval letter from JFA, especially for tournaments involving age groups ranging from seven to seventeen,” it stated.
The state football body also stated that certified medical officers or paramedics appointed by organisers must be present during the tournaments.
“An ambulance or emergency vehicle must be kept on standby at the venue throughout the event.
“Organisers must prepare an Emergency Action Plan, which outlines emergency procedures such as nearby hospital references, contact numbers, and pre-match field safety inspections.”
“Match officials must be trained in basic CPR and emergency management. JFA also conducts annual sports aider courses for all grassroots football bodies in Johor,” the statement read.
Organisers who fail to follow the established safety SOPs may face consequences, including being barred from future football activities.
JFA also stated that safety was a shared responsibility among team managers, coaches, match officials, parents, and players.
