KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 -- All sports events and league tournaments in Johor must obtain advice and approval from the relevant governing bodies before they are held, said the state executive councillor for youth and sports.

Johor Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said many leagues organised in the state were actually unauthorised because they had not obtained the necessary advice and approval, Harian Metro reported.

"I urge every sport to refer to the highest governing body of that sport at the Malaysian or state level. We cannot organise leagues without any advice from the relevant associations.

"There are many illegal leagues being held in this state without sanction from ...