Friday, 8 July 2011

PKNS and Sarawak's promotion hopes in jeopardy

PREMIER League champions PKNS FC and runners-up Sarawak may not gain direct entry into next season's Super League if the FA of Malaysia's (FAM) decides to reduce the number of the teams in the top-tier competition.

FAM had recently announced there would be major changes to next season's M-league format.


If FAM does so, then PKNS and Sarawak may both have to go through a play-off round to secure Super League status. The play-off will also involve bottom league teams from the top division.
PKNS coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim hopes his team will not be denied automatic promotion.

"According to this season's M-League rules, the top two teams in the Premier League will earn promotion to the Super League next season.


"We worked hard all season for the promotion. Please don't deny us our right," said Abdul Rahman after watching PKNS edge Young Tigers B 2-1 at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya on Friday.

"PKNS have been in the Premier League for nine long seasons. Everyone in the team is excited about playing in the Super League next season. But I've told my players not to think so much about it.

"We need to concentrate on our preparations for the Malaysia Cup in September. If FAM decides to make changes, then we will accept them and go through the new system to play in the Super League."


The Sarawak FA (FAS), however, will not accept any decision which would deny its team automatic promotion.

Deputy president Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuk hopes FAM will make a wise decision in regards to the league format.

"We will not accept FAM's decision if we are denied automatic promotion and this is final. According to this season's rules, we have earned our right to play top-tier football next season. We do not want it to change.

"We do not understand why FAM needs to rush it. In other leagues, changes are made known one or two seasons in advance.

"This promotion is important to the people of Sarawak. Everyone in Sarawak is eager to watch their team make their first appearance in the Super League in five years," said Abu Bakar.

FAM competition committee chairman Datuk Hamidin Amin said the fate of PKNS and Sarawak will be known when the executive committee (Exco) meets soon.

"My committee has completed our proposal for approval. I cannot reveal details before presenting it to the Exco.

"PKNS and Sarawak will both have to wait. But I can guarantee that the new format will be a win-win situation for all teams in the M-League," said Hamidin.

The Exco is expected to meet after the completion of the Super League season on Wednesday.

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