TWO TEAMS UP FOR SUPER LEAGUE
Perak SEDC and Negri Sembilan could make top flight, thanks to TFC II and Felda United
PERAK SEDC and Negri Sembilan could be playing in the Super League next season as Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) will decide today on the fates of top-tier teams Terengganu FC (TFC) II, formerly known as T-Team and Felda United.
The Terengganu FA (TFA) wrote to FMLLP last week to seek approval for the restructuring of TFC II and also to convert them into the state team’s feeder club, while Felda have yet to be granted a licence to play in the Super League.
It is learnt that FMLLP have written to Perak SEDC and Negri, who finished third and fourth in last season’s Premier League, and both are receptive over the idea to play in the Super League.
Sarawak and Penang, who were relegated after finishing 11th and 12 in the recent Super League season, are not being considered.
Sarawak are yet to be granted a licence while FMLLP did not approach Penang as they did badly last season.
FMLLP chief executive Kevin Ramalingam said: “If TFA’s appeal to turn TFC II into a feeder club is successful then the existing rules will require them to be relegated.”
“Felda failed to meet the deadline over the submission of their audited accounts for a licence. They, however, met other requirements.
FMLLP will come up with a circular tomorrow on this matter,” he said.
FMLLP, however, may grant Felda a temporary licence to play in the Super League next year but it is subject to approval by the board.
Kevin confirmed that Perak SEDC and Negri have been approached and both are open to the idea of playing top-tier football next season.
“They are progressive clubs and have met all requirements. If Felda stay while TFC II are demoted, then FMLLP will come up with a formula to decide on the replacement.
“Perak SEDC could be promoted by virtue of finishing third last season in the Premier League or there could be a playoff between Abu Bakar Fadzim’s side and Negri for the spot.
"One thing for sure is that there will be 24 teams in the M-League, including 12 in the Super League,” said Kevin.
Kevin said Felcra have agreed to take up Sime Darby’s spot in the Premier League next season.
Sime Darby secured promotion to the Premier League in October when they defeated Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in the thirdtier FAM Cup final.
But the Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA)-affiliated club announced last week that they will not take their place in the Premier League nor will the club return to the FAM Cup.
“Felcra need to submit entry forms and other documentation for confirmation and they have promised to do so by Friday,” Kevin added.
Meanwhile, FMLLP, who is the partner of the FA of Malaysia (FAM), will award the broadcasting rights of the M-League in two weeks’ time.
It is learnt that Telekom Malaysia, Media Prima and Radio Television Malaysia are those who submitted bids for the rights, while Fox is not in the picture anymore.