IT sounds like mind boggling geography. In one stroke, “Selangor” turned into “Sarawak” to play in the Premier League next season.
The two parties may be separated by the South China Sea but it doesn’t matter. Selangor United Football Club (SUFC) have changed into Sarawak United Football Club (SUFC) overnight.
But there is still something in common. Abbreviation-wise, they look and sound the same, SUFC for SUFC.
This is what really happened. Selangor United, a Premier League team, are in financial trouble, and they got bought over by FA of Sarawak (FAS).
FAS, as the new owners, wanted a change of name. And the Malaysian Football League (MFL) gave their approval yesterday.
This means that from now, Selangor United will be known as Sarawak United following the FAS takeover.
Change in name will be followed by change in address. The former Selangor United club will shift operations, from their home, Selayang Stadium to Kuching.
MFL announced yesterday they have approved FAS’ request to change the ownership status of Selangor United. “After careful deliberation, MFL board of directors concluded that Sarawak United have made the necessary registration with the Sports Commissioner’s Office and the Companies Commission of Malaysia for the change in ownership,” said MFL in a statement.
“Through this decision, Sarawak United will fill Selangor United’s slot but using the former name and are to play in the 2020 Premier League.”
All this looks like Selangor United selling their place in the Premier League to FAS.
As it is, Sarawak don’t have a team in the Premier League. Their state team, the Crocs have been demoted from the Premier League to the third-tier M3 League.
Sarawak, who finished 11th in the Premier League this year, even lost 3-1 in a playoff against M3 League runners-up Kuching FA on Nov 23.
Selangor United made their debut in the Premier League this season and finished ninth.
In the FA Cup, Selangor United bowed out in the second round after losing 3-2 to Kedah in extra time.
They fell in the group stage of the Challenge Cup with one win, one draw and four losses.
Selangor United, owned by Selangor Malays FA, were founded in 1974 as PBMM. In 2017, they were renamed as PBMS. Last year, they became Selangor United FC.