Sarawak, Penang could get second Super chance
SARAWAK, Penang or another Premier League team could be playing in the Super League next year as the Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) board meet next week to decide on who should fill a vacancy in the top-flight.
The vacancy arose after Kuala Terengganu T-Team announced earlier this week of their withdrawal from the Super League.
There could be two places to fill if Felda United, who have not been granted a Super League licence by the FA of Malaysia (FAM), are relegated to the Premier League.
FMLLP chief executive Kevin Ramalingam said there are several options for the board to consider in deciding on the 12-team composition of the 2018 Super League.
“The FMLLP board will meet next week to finalise the status of the Super League and Premier League teams,” said Kevin yesterday.
“One thing is sure is that there will be 24 teams in the M-League, including 12 in the Super League. The board may choose not to relegate one of the bottom two teams in the Super League to replace T-Team or to promote another team from the Premier League.”
On Thursday, FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim hinted that Felda may not be allowed to play in the top-flight without a licence.
Should there be two vacancies in the Super League, Sarawak and Penang may get a reprieve after finishing 11th and 12th respectively in the 2017 standings.
However, Sarawak have decided that they will only use local players next season and may not be as competitive as the other Super League teams.
In order to preserve the integrity of the competition, FMLLP could overlook Sarawak and offer Perak SEDC, third in the Premier League, a place in the Super League instead.
Kevin added that FAM have nominated Felcra to take FAM Cup champions Sime Darby’s place in the Premier League next season.
Sime Darby declined to take up a spot in the second-tier and Felcra, beaten in the FAM Cup semifinals by Sime Darby, are next in line.
“FAM have nominated Felcra to take Sime Darby’s place in the Premier League and we are awaiting confirmation from Felcra,” said Kevin.
“I think that is only a matter of formality.” Devinder Singh