PETALING JAYA: Felda United's failure to submit their audited accounts resulted in their demotion from the Super League to the Premier League next season.
The decision was announced by Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) chief executive office Kevin Ramalingam on Monday.
He explained that Felda, who finished third in the recent Super League season, did not receive the green light to compete in the top-tier competition after the FA of Malaysia (FAM) denied them a club licence due to failure to submit their accounts.
It is learnt that Felda have not audited their accounts since 2014.
Kevin said FMLLP had no other choice but to demote Felda as they failed to submit their audited accounts despite given a timeframe.
"A decision had to be made by our (FMLLP) board as Felda did not comply to regulations for the 2018 season, where teams must have a club licence to play in the Super League,” said Kevin.
"If barring teams from signing new players and deduction of points do not work, then I guess this is the only way to ensure clubs manage themselves well and are able to provide necessary documents. Clubs cannot take such matters lightly.
"This decision will serve as a lesson to other clubs. It's high time for teams to be serious when it comes to management and also in making sure they have met requirements for a club licence.”
FMLLP have also accepted Terengganu FA’s (TFA) proposal to turn Terengganu Football Club II (TFC II), formerly known as T-Team, as the state team’s feeder team.
T-Team finished ninth in last season’s Super League.
“TFA, however, need to furnish us with documents following the approval. Under the regulations, TFC II will have to play in the Premier League next year,” Kevin added.