Kevin: MFL made objective decision in promoting Perlis

Still deadly?: Perlis have signed former international striker Safee Sali (right) for the 2019 season. — GLENN GUAN / The Star

PETALING JAYA: There is no show of favouritism or foul play in letting Perlis play in the second tier Premier League.

This is the assurance given by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam.

MFL have decided to let Perlis play as long as the northern state are able to showcase a proper financial management.

Kevin explained that the decision was made after careful consideration.

“The board looked and studied the teams. They picked the team that met the criteria like sustainability, financial planning and fan base. I can assure you that the decision (to choose Perlis) was made objectively,” said Kevin yesterday.

The M-League was thrown into disarray as several teams pulled out due to poor financial management and sanctions from Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

Perlis earned promotion to the Premier League when MIFA earned a spot in the Super League.

The Northern Lions have splashed the cash during the transfer window and secured the signature of former internationals Safee Sali, Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri and Mohd Badhri Radzi.

However, the move to promote Perlis drew criticism as they finished bottom in their group in the third-tier FAM Cup.

“We wrote to the FAM, the organisers of FAM Cup to nominate three teams to be promoted to the Premier League. The FML board of directors from the M-League teams made the decision to have Perlis on board,” said Kevin.

“We know Perlis have some financial issues and their RM1mil Premier League allocation will be held back until they settle all arrears within 60 days.

“If they fail to meet this obligation, then they will not receive their allocation, which in turn will be used to settle their arrears.”

 

2019 M-LEAGUE CAST

SUPER LEAGUE

Johor Darul Ta’zim, Perak, PKNS, Pahang, Terengganu, Kedah, Melaka, Selangor, PKNP, Kuala Lumpur, Felda United and MIFA.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Johor Darul Ta’zim II, Police, Sabah, UKM, Sarawak, UiTM, Penang, Terengganu FC II, Selangor United and Perlis.