KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Football Association (Mifa) have been granted a back door entry into the Super League following the withdrawal of Felcra FC.
Mifa missed out on a promotion when they finished third in last season’s Premier League behind champions Felda United and runners-up Felcra, who has since withdrawn due to financial issues.
It is learnt that, Mifa will be known as PJ City when they make their debut in the Super League next year. The club will make an official announcement next week.
“Mifa have been given clearance for a promotion spot after fulfilling eight criteria,” read Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) statement on Friday.
“Mifa showed great effort in meeting MFL’s requirements and they also presented a comprehensive future plan in all aspects.
“The club have also secured new investors and we hope the sponsors will help the team become more stable in the future.”
Felcra withdrew following failure to settle their players’ salaries, totalling RM2 million, for three months.
Kuantan who withdrew after nine matches last season for a similar problem have been replaced by Perlis, who finished bottom of their group in last season’s FAM Cup.
However, Perlis have secured new sponsors and have signed several big names for the new season.
“After considering all aspects, our board of directors have also decided to promote Perlis to the Premier League, but under a conditional agreement.
“An unanimous decision was reached in which the distribution of funds, RM1 million to each team, from the MFL to Perlis for next season will be held back until they settle all arrears within 60 days.
“If Perlis fail to meet this obligation then they will not receive their allocation, which in turn will be used to settle their arrears.”
MFL have also approved Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) participation in the Premier League after they produced detailed plans during their second appeal on Nov 28.
The university side, however, have been fined and also issued a warning to get their club in order.
“UKM were also told to guarantee their long term involvement in the league and were also asked to submit a structured plan with goals as well as execution for the years to come.”
Terengganu FC II who were supposed to be relegated to the FAM Cup after finishing 11th in the Premier League retained their spot in the second-tier competition at the expense of Terengganu City.
Terengganu City who won the FAM Cup and was supposed to be promoted to the Premier League were sanctioned recently by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for various offences.
Last season’s FAM Cup runners-up Selangor United have been promoted.