KUALA LUMPUR: Will PJ City find a new owner to save the club from closure ahead of the 2023 M-League season?
Rumours are rife that PJ City, owned by entrepreneur Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran, could pull out despite obtaining their club licence last month.
PJ chief executive officer S. Ganesh said on Tuesday that the club would announce their next move soon.
The club, however, has informed their players to look for new teams.
It is learnt that PJ City officials are trying to convince Vijay to continue backing the team.
With PJ City's future uncertain, teams like Melaka United and Sarawak United, who have not obtained a club licence, could buy over the club.
The new owner will have the prerogative to maintain PJ City's banner or rebrand the club.
Malaysian Football League (MFL) CEO Stuart Ramalingam said they will monitor purchases of clubs in the M-League.
However, MFL confirmed that no team has withdrawn from next year's season. Clubs have until the end of December to confirm their participation.
"Yes, clubs are allowed to have new owners in football. MFL will monitor the situation, as it is not a straightforward thing."
Stuart said next season's M-League will go on as scheduled, even with fewer teams due to withdrawals.
A total of 16 teams will play next season, pending withdrawals.
"We have not received any official notification over withdrawals. We are in contact with all of the teams.
"Hopefully, all16 clubs will confirm their participation by the end of next month."
PJ City finished ninth in the Super League and were ousted by Johor Darul Ta'zim in the last 16 of the Malaysia Cup.
In 2019, the Football Association of Sarawak bought over Selangor United and rebranded the club as Sarawak United after the state team was relegated to the M3.