PAHANG SAY ‘NO’
They turn down chance to play in AFC Cup
PAHANG have turned down an opportunity to play in the AFC Cup. The east coast, by virtue of their second placing in the Super League, were earlier tipped to replace Kedah for the Asian-level tournament.
FA Cup winners Kedah were not allowed to compete in the AFC Cup after they failed to get a licence from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) when they did not submit the audited accounts within the stipulated time.
However, the Pahang FA (PFA) have decided not to take up the offer, choosing to focus on the Super League.
The PFA, in a statement, yesterday, said the FA of Malaysia had sent a letter on Nov 9, inviting them to participate in the 2018 AFC Cup.
PFA honorary-secretary Norlia Abdul Manaf said they had rejected the offer through a letter sent to FAM on Nov 14.
“We want to focus on our domestic campaign,” said Norlia
With Pahang’s decision, Felda United, who finished third in the Super League, are the next in line for the AFC berth. However, Felda do not have an AFC licence.
Pahang featured in the 2015 AFC Cup, reaching the quarterfinals
Meanwhile, only one team from Terengganu will represent the state in the Super League next season.
With the decision, T-Team, who finished ninth in the recent Super League season, will play in the Premier League pending approval from Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP).
The Terengganu state team will play in the 2018 Super League.
T-Team will now be known as Terengganu FC (TFC) II.
Terengganu FA (TFA) president Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said the main reason was to reduce expenditure.
“TFC II will be a feeder to the state side. Only Terengganuborn players will represent TFC II,” he said.
FMLLP chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam said TFA have yet to notify him over the decision.