Perak await Pahang’s decision
are ready to consider taking part in the playoffs for the Asian Champions League (ACL) for next season if the opportunity is offered to them by FAM.
Perak FA secretary-general Abdul Aziz Yeop Jamaluddin however explained that they need to wait and see if this season’s FA Cup winners Pahang can take part in the Asia’s prestigious club competition.
“Actually it is Pahang who have qualified to play in the ACL playoffs but I am made to understand that they are still suspended by FAM, so we will have to see the outcome of their appeal first.
“If at all Pahang are unable to take part in the competition, only then will their slot fall to Perak who are the Super League runners-up, and therefore only then will we decide if we are offered their slot,” said Abdul Aziz yesterday.
The FA of Pahang were suspended for two years from applying for an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) license by FAM after they refused an offer to take part in this year’s AFC Cup competition to replace Kedah who failed in their application for an AFC club license.
In other developments, Abdul Aziz confirmed that there has been no further discussions carried out regarding the future of Perak coach Mehmet Durakovic who is rumoured will be a return to lead Selangor next season.
Abdul Aziz said that so far the FA of Perak have not been contacted by the FA of Selangor (FAS) even though Durakovic’s contract expires at the end of this year.
“So far there have been no discussions or meetings regarding this matter, and even if there were to be any talks, Durakovic is still bound by the contract that he signed with us so he will have to abide by regulations and procedures.
“After the end of the current contract, perhaps only then will we sit down to discuss the matter. For this is all speculation that is somewhat expected especially when it comes to football and nearing to the end of the season.
“What is important is that the FA of Perak’s management have asked Durakovic to please focus on the team’s Malaysia Cup campaign,” stressed Abdul Aziz.