09-05-2025
Silver lining for Perak?
Still in the running: Perak's A. Shivan tries to dribble past Sabah's Darren Lok during a Super League match on April 20. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for Perak.
The Silver State club chairman Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi revealed that they could have a new investor soon and would be able to meet the Malaysian Football League (MFL) club licensing deadline today.
'As long as we have proof of funds, it should not be an issue. I did say three companies have expressed interest but there is one taking it further already,' said Azim.
'We can't disclose the identity of the investor yet, but we are looking to wrap things up quickly.'
Perak were owned by XOX Pro Sport Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of XOX Berhad, which took over the club in 2022 from Impact Media and Communication (IMC) Sdn Bhd.
Two weeks ago, Perak, eight-time Malaysia Cup champions, officially announced their withdrawal from next season's Super League due to worsening financial troubles.
Besides Perak, another club likely to pull out from the Super League are Pahang, with players revealing that they had received letters stating the team's decision not to play in the top flight.
Pahang's management have yet to issue any statement on their future plans, but it is learnt that the club are considering playing in the A1 Semi-Pro League.
Then there are clubs like Kedah and Kelantan, who are beleaguered by salary arrears, thus jeopardising their chances of getting a national licence.
Acting chief executive officer of MFL Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd said they have to wait till today (until 11.59 pm) to know the number of applicants for the national licence.
'As of now, most clubs have applied for the national licence, including two from the A1 Semi-Pro League (champions Melaka and runners-up Immigration).'
Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Sabah and Penang have attained their AFC licences to compete in next season's Asian and Asean competitions.
