Exclusive: Singapore out of MSL next year, says FAM
The team were crowned Malaysian FA Cup champions earlier this year, following the success of a Malaysian Super League (MSL) triumph by a V. Sundramoorthy-led class of 2013.
But, come 2016, the LionsXII, who lost 4-1 to Pahang in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals in Kuantan last night, will no longer take part in the MSL.
At a Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) executive committee meeting at the Royale Chulan hotel in Kuala Lumpur last night, the decision was made not to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that saw the Singapore side enter Malaysian domestic football competitions in 2012.
The four-year deal signed in 2011 also saw a Malaysian side represented in the S.League, but FAM's decision will also see Harimau Muda not compete in the S.League.
Confirming the move to The New Paper, FAM deputy president Affandi Hamzah said: "We have decided not to extend the MOU after considering all aspects of it. We have maintained a good relationship with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and we understand Singapore's position but at this point in time, we believe this is the best way forward for both parties."
He declined to elaborate on factors leading up to the FAM decision.
Affandi said the FAS has yet to be informed of the decision. At press time, the FAS could not be reached for comment.
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