MAT Zan Mat Aris’ days at Negri Sembilan are said to be numbered after the coach was issued a show-cause letter two days ago for various issues this season.
The 61-year-old needs to reply within two weeks.
The Negri Sembilan FA (NSFA) will decide on Mat Zan’s future after receiving his reply.
Mat Zan, who guided Terengganu to their first Malaysia Cup crown in 2001, has been informed by NSFA not to report for duty until he replies to the letter.
NSFA are tight-lipped on why they have issued their coach a show-cause letter. But many believe it is in regard to his team’s failure to earn promotion to the Super League next season.
Negri only needed to beat UiTM FC in their final match last weekend to join Sabah in the top-tier competition next season, but it ended 1-1.
However, Negri were furious with the referee for not awarding them a penalty kick in the final minutes after a UiTM player had handled the ball inside his penalty box.
The Negri bench protested but the match official stood to his decision and waved play on.
And as a result, Negri finished sixth with 29 points.
But Negri still have all to fight for when the Malaysia Cup begins next week. They are in Group A with Kedah, Terengganu and PKNS FC.
Currently, Mat Zan’s assistant Zaki Sheikh Ahmad and President’s Cup coach Sazali Saidon are handling the team.
NSFA secretary Satwant Singh declined to confirm the reasons behind Mat Zan’s absence from training.
“We will make an announcement soon,” said Satwant.