Cash-strapped Perlis booted out of M-League
Wednesday, 20 Feb 20198:49 PM MYT
by k. rajan
MFL CEO Kevin Ramalingam says a decision had to be made to avoid the players suffering and affecting the M-League.
PETALING JAYA: Premier League outfit Perlis has been booted out of the M-League as league organisers have found that the team has insufficient funds for the 2019 season.
This was discovered when the Malaysian Football League (MFL) received Perlis’ detailed financial documents on Monday (Feb 18).
MFL chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam said the financial reports of six other teams are being scrutinised, adding that decisions will be announced soon.
Kevin added that Perlis players will be given an extension of 30 days to sign with other teams despite the transfer window closing on Wednesday (Feb 20).
"MFL had given enough time and assistance to Perlis to solve their financial situation. They don't have a proper financial plan which supports their sustainability," he added.
He said the Perlis decision had to be announced first as their case is the worst.
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 a promotion to the Premier League when Petaling Jaya (PJ) City (formerly known as MIFA) earned a spot in the Super League.
PJ City was promoted to the top flight after Felcra disbanded due to financial constraints.
The FAM nominated Perlis, Armed Forces and Kuching FA to play in the Premier League based on their financial plans and MFL picked Perlis based on several criteria - sustainability, debts, financial planning and fan base.
Perlis had an agreement with the MFL to settle the salary owed their players within 60 days, and MFL held their annual grant on Dec 26.
However, Perlis failed to secure funds to settle their players’ salaries and failed to prove that they are financially secure to compete in the M-League.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2019/02/20/cash-strapped-perlis-booted-out-of-m-league/#4lLvLTc2DTwjqvQm.99
