As many as 12 out of 24 Liga Malaysia teams have successfully completed the club privatization process, including the change of administrations from football associations (FAs) to football clubs (FCs).
The teams are Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Sarawak United FC, Petaling Jaya City FC, Armed Forces FC, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan United FC, Melaka, Terengganu FC, Kuching FA, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and Perak.
Selangor, Kelantan FC and Felda United FC in the final stages while Pahang, Penang and Kedah are still in the middle stages of the process.
PDRM FA, UiTM FC and UKM FC are in danger, as they still in the preliminary stages of the privatization process, despite the deadline set for Sept 30.
FAM Professional Football Special Committee chairman Mohd Firdaus Mohamed said final reminders had been sent to teams who have yet to complete the process.
“Failing to do so, the relevant teams will not be accepted to participate in club competitions at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) level if eligible, as well as domestic competitions namely CIMB Super League and Premier League season 2021,” he said.
“We would like to emphasize that the deadline set for 30 September 2020 cannot be extended anymore and it needs to be given attention and immediate action from the management and officials of these teams to complete the FC privatization process.
“FAM is always open to provide assistance and assistance to any team in need so that in the end, we want to see all these teams complete the privatization process before the deadline.”
Any team that failed to complete the privatization process will be forced to play in third division – Liga M3, the highest level of amateur football league in Malaysia.