KUALA LUMPUR: For not turning up for a Premier League match against Police at the Shah Alam Stadium last Sunday, Kuantan FA are now paying the price for letting their off-field troubles get the better of them as they have been dropped from the 2018 Malaysia League (M-League) effective immediately (Saturday).
The decision was announced by Malaysia Football League (MFL) who view the actions of the problematic club in not turning up for their match and not informing the MFL secretariat as a serious offense in the M-League.
MFL chief executive officer, Kevin Ramalingam said that the decision was made by the MFL board of directors and they received the backing and support of the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
"MFL have been in touch with Kuantan FA from time to time, and when their team did not turn up for a Premier League match without informing our secretariat, that is a serious offense.
"Breaking the rules does not just involve cost to the league, but it also disrupts and adversely affects the operational costs of their opponents and the sponsors, who have invested millions of Ringgit. So the decision to drop them from the league is spot on,” he said.
Kuantan FA have been bogged down by salary arrears problems this season apart from not showing up for the match against Police, who were awarded a 3-0 win.
According to Kevin, MFL have tried all sorts of efforts in trying to help Kuantan FA resolve their problems, however it just did not work out.
"Before this, Kuantan FA were in contact with MFL regarding a couple of issues that had to be resolved. There were also meetings carried out to find ways in helping them out.
"This year, there were four meetings between Kuantan FA and MFL. There were a few opportunities where MFL did put forth ways and means in trying to help them resolve their problems but to no avail,” he said.
-ENDS-
Keywords: Kuantan FA, Premier League, Match, Shah Alam Stadium, Police, Punished, Malaysia Football League, MFL, Dropped, Kevin Ramalingam.