Sri Pahang's M-League withdrawal a 'reset,' says club legend
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Jamal Nasir believes Sri Pahang 's withdrawal from the 2025-26 M-League should not be viewed as a failure but as a reset.
The football legend, who starred for the Elephants in the 1970s, said the club must have had valid reasons to pull out of next season's competition and hopes it will allow them to regroup for a stronger return.
While he admits the decision is deeply saddening, Jamal urged fans to remain calm and understanding.
"It's heartbreaking, of course.
This club once stood among the best in the Super League and even made it to the Malaysia Cup final. Now they're stepping away, and it's not easy to accept," he said.
"I'm sad too, but what can we do? I'm sure there are unavoidable reasons behind this. Even though they obtained their national licence, perhaps there are internal issues that need to be resolved first."
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirmed on Friday that Sri Pahang had submitted their withdrawal letter on June 16.
The team's absence is a major blow to Malaysian football, considering their rich legacy in domestic competitions.
The Elephants have won multiple titles throughout the years, including the Super League, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup.
Their most recent silverware was the FA Cup in 2018, when they beat Selangor 2-0 in the final.
Jamal highlighted the team's past financial struggles, including unpaid salaries, and urged fans not to point fingers.
"Don't blame anyone. The management must've thought this through carefully.
"Maybe taking one step back is necessary, so they can come back stronger later.
I'm staying positive. This decision could be the beginning of something better for the club."
Sri Pahang finished eighth in the 2024-25 Super League and were runners-up in the Malaysia Cup, making their sudden withdrawal all the more shocking.
With their exit, only 13 clubs remain for the 2025-26 season — Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan Darul Naim, KL City, Police, DPMM, Melaka and Immigration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Rachel Arnold reaches Asian Squash final after epic win
KUCHING: National squash ace Rachel Arnold emerged as Malaysia's sole representative to advance to the final of the 23rd Asian Individual Squash Championships after defeating fellow Malaysian Aifa Azman in the women's semi-final at the Sarawak Squash Centre, Petra Jaya, here today. The world No. 19 player overcame Aifa 11-9, 11-2, 8-11, 9-11, 12-10 in a fierce battle that lasted 56 minutes. This victory sees Rachel carrying the nation's hopes into the final, just one step away from clinching her maiden Asian title, after another Malaysian representative, Yee Xin Ying, failed to advance to the final in another semifinal. Yee was defeated by Hong Kong's Ho Tze Lok, who secured a 11-9, 5-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6 victory in a match that lasted 45 minutes. Rachel is scheduled to face Ho in tomorrow's final to vie for the title of the 23rd edition of the championships. Following their semi-final losses, Yee and Aifa concluded their campaigns at the tournament by sharing third placing.
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
JDT prep for M-League with La Liga action
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) will play newly promoted La Liga side, Levante UD, in a friendly in Spain next month. Under new head coach Xisco Munoz, the Malaysian champions will do their pre-season training abroad. "More friendly matches in Spain will be announced soon. Levante won the Segunda Division in the 2024-25 season to earn promotion to the Spanish top flight," JDT said on social media on Friday. Among the Levante stars is 21-year-old attacking midfielder Carlos Alvarez, who chalked up seven goals and 11 assists last season. His meteoric rise saw him sign a new deal with a release clause of €25 million (RM127 million). JDT, who aim to be an Asian power, plan to arrange for more matches in Spain, apart from training there.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Rachel Arnold to face Hong Kong's Tze Lok in Asian Women's Individual Squash C'ships final
KUCHING: National squash ace Rachel Arnold emerged as Malaysia's sole representative to advance to the final of the 23rd Asian Individual Squash Championships after defeating fellow Malaysian Aifa Azman in the women's semi-final at the Sarawak Squash Centre, Petra Jaya, here today. The world No. 19 player overcame Aifa 11-9, 11-2, 8-11, 9-11, 12-10 in a fierce battle that lasted 56 minutes. This victory sees Rachel carrying the nation's hopes into the final, just one step away from clinching her maiden Asian title, after another Malaysian representative, Yee Xin Ying, failed to advance to the final in another semifinal. Yee was defeated by Hong Kong's Ho Tze Lok, who secured a 11-9, 5-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6 victory in a match that lasted 45 minutes. Rachel is scheduled to face Ho in tomorrow's final to vie for the title of the 23rd edition of the championships. Following their semi-final losses, Yee and Aifa concluded their campaigns at the tournament by sharing third placing.
