PETALING JAYA: Pahang have submitted their application to compete in the Super League next season but their fate in the local league is still doubtful.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) First Instance Body (FIB) will meet tomorrow to decide on the eligibility of Pahang and all the other teams who will feature in the local league.
After the closing date ended on Saturday, MFL confirmed that all 13 clubs, including Pahang and Perak, who had competed in the top division of the recent season have applied for the licence.
Two clubs from the A1 Semi-Pro League have also submitted their applications.
Acting Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief executive officer (CEO) Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd said the FIB board would announce their decision the next day or the latest on Thursday.
Many Malaysian football fans are eager to know the number of teams competing in the league with some fearing that it could dwindle due to financial strains faced by several clubs.
Clubs like Perak and Pahang had been in the headlines after statements that they would not be part of the league but based on Shazli’s statement, they could be resurrected unless they fail their licensing guidelines.
“All the 13 teams in the Super League who played in the previous season have applied and we have two additional teams from the A1 Semi-Pro League,” said Shazli.
“Now that these applications have been received, we will have a final meeting on Tuesday and then announce the number of teams participating in the league.”
Brunei will also make their appearance in the league subject to approval from the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA.
“We cannot confirm Brunei’s participation, not until after getting the approval from the leading bodies,” he said.
Brunei last competed in the Super League in the 2007-2008 season, finishing 10th in the top division.
“If cleared, they have to go through our club licensing process. Though the deadline has passed, they will be given a special dispensation by us.”
Their best finish in the Super League was in the 2006-2007 season, where they finished third.
They currently compete in the Singaporean Premier League where they are sixth with three more games left to complete the season.
The club are owned by the Crown Prince of Brunei, Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah.
