PAHANG have turned down an opportunity to play in the AFC Cup.
The east coast, by virtue of their second placing in the Super League, were earlier tipped to replace Kedah for the Asian-level tournament.
FA Cup winners Kedah were not allowed to compete in the AFC Cup after they failed to get a licence from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) when they did not submit the audited accounts within the stipulated time.
However, the Pahang Football Association (PFA) have decided not to take up the offer, choosing to focus on the Super League.
The PFA, in a statement, today, said the Football Association of Malaysia had sent a letter on Nov 9, inviting them to participate in the 2018 AFC Cup.
PFA honorary-secretary Norlia Abdul Manaf said they had rejected the offer through a letter sent to FAM on Nov 14.
With Pahang’s decision, Felda United, who finished third in the Super League, are the next in line for the AFC berth. However, Felda do not have an AFC licence.
Pahang featured in the 2015 AFC Cup, reaching the quarter-finals