Out you go Perlis for failing to pay your dues
PETALING JAYA: Premier League outfit Perlis have been booted out of the M-League.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) board found that the detailed financial documents received from Perlis on Monday revealed that their funds are insufficient to run the team for the 2019 season.
MFL chief executive officer (CEO) Kevin Ramalingam said six other teams’ financial reports are also being scrutinised and a decision will be announced soon.
Kevin added that Perlis players will be given an extension of 30 days to sign for other teams despite the end of the transfer window yesterday.
“After considering all aspects, the board of directors decided to cancel Perlis’ registration in the M-League. A decision had to be made to help the affected players and keep the M-League in order.
“MFL had given enough time and assistance to Perlis to solve their financial problems. They don’t have a proper financial plan to support their sustainability.
“Besides Perlis, we’re also looking at six other teams who are facing problems settling their players’ salaries. We had to announce the decision on Perlis first because their case is the worst ... the decision on the six other teams will be announced soon.”
The 2019 M-League season was thrown into disarray as several teams pulled out due to poor financial management and sanctions from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Perlis earned promotion to the Premier League when Petaling Jaya (PJ) City (formerly known as MIFA) earned a spot in the Super League. PJ City were promoted to the top flight after Felcra disbanded due to financial constraints.
The FAM have nominated Perlis, Armed Forces and Kuching FA to play in the Premier League based on their financial plans but MFL picked Perlis based on several criteria – sustainability, debts, financial planning and fan base.