FELDA FACE DROP OVER LICENCE ISSUE

FMLLP board will consider Super League team’s appeal against demotion

FELDA United face the prospect of being demoted to the Premier League after failing to meet the licensing requirements set by Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) for next season.

The Super League club’s fate now rests with the FMLLP board, who are due to review the decision of the FA of Malaysia’s club licensing appeals body to reject the applications of Felda and Sarawak by the middle of November.

The appeals body, in a statement yesterday, said both Felda and Sarawak failed to meet the financial criteria required for a Super League licence despite being given an extended period to comply.

Sarawak are set to play in the second-tier after finishing 11th in the Super League last weekend but Felda, who finished third, face the prospect of being relegated in the boardroom.

“We have not received a breakdown of the consideration the appeals board used in reaching their decision and once we have that, it will be made available to the FMLLP board for their action,” said FMLLP chief executive Kevin Ramalingam yesterday.

“It is up to the FMLLP board to make a decision on Felda.

“Although Felda have taken the necessary steps to comply with the requirements as much as possible, the appeals body felt that it was insufficient in meeting the financial criteria.

“A decision is expected by the middle of the month and we will then also finalise the teams competing in next year ’s Super League, subject to the decision on Felda. Before then, I cannot say what will happen to Felda.”

FAM’s club licensing body initially approved the applications of Johor Darul Ta’zim, Pahang, PKNS and Selangor in meeting six licensing criteria along with the requirements of the Asian Football Confederation, which makes them eligible to play in Asian level club competitions next season.

Kuala Terengganu T-Team, Perak and Penang were also approved by FAM before the appeals board accepted the applications of Kedah, Kelantan and Melaka.

“The fact that 10 teams have achieved full compliance is a sign that everyone is taking the licensing issue seriously,” added Kevin.

“Club licensing is an important step in the development of Malaysian football.”

Promoted teams Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu have until September next year to achieve full compliance though Kevin said the two sides are nearly there.

FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin said the approval for licensing is for 2018 only and can be withdrawn.

“If during the season any team should fail to adhere to the requirements, then their license can be withdrawn according to the FAM club licensing regulations,” he said.

The six licensing criteria relate to finance, infrastructure, administration, legal, business and sporting aspects.