Disappointed Felda respect FMLLP’s decision

FELDA United have denied the accusations that the club acted without much care or interest in their application for a M-League licence and are adamant that they have met all the necessary requirements.

Felda United Football Club (FUFC) deputy president, Datuk Mohd Isa Abu Kasim said they have to accept the demotion to the Premier League and that the punishment will not deter the team’s spirit and quest for success.

"FUFC take Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership’s (FMLLP) decision seriously in not allowing our club to compete in the 2018 Super League because of no club licence.

"The club’s management is disappointed but we have to respect the decision that has been made and are determined to do our very best in the Premier League to ensure that we make a quick return to the Super League for the 2019 season.

"Felda United strongly rebuke claims by certain quarters accusing us of not carrying out a financial audit. As a club we are committed and fully support the implementation of licensing for M-League clubs in efforts towards a more professional management of football in the country,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Yesterday, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) viewed the move to demote Felda United to the Premier League as a punishment that has to be accepted following a lack of commitment and seriousness in the club’s management.

Felda United are said to have failed to complete the necessary requirements which are the F.02 financial statement for the reviewed interim period (January 1st to June 30th 2017) that is a must to fulfill the necessary minimum exposure and accounting principles which must be reviewed and audited by an independent auditor which must also encompass a financial review by the management.

Through the same statement, Felda United stressed that they have sent again the interim financial report (account management) which has been endorsed by an independent auditor after receiving instructions to do so.

"The failure to obtain a club licence does not mean that the management of Felda United took a lackadaisical approach or failed to respect any of the parties involved.

"Felda United have never failed to audit accounts and always prioritise on taking care of the players’ welfare and have never encountered any issues or problems in paying salaries, remitting funds to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), and the Inland Revenue Board Of Malaysia (IRB),” he said. Mohd Fitrie Muhamad