PETALING JAYA: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has refused an appeal by cash-strapped UPB-MyTEAM to withdraw from the Malaysia Cup competition in September.

The FAM Competitions Committee headed by FAM vice-president Datuk Che Mat Jusoh decided at its meeting yesterday that the club side must continue playing in the league and the Malaysia Cup or face the consequences.

According to Che Mat, if UPB-MyTEAM failed to comply with FAM’s directive, players and officials faced sanctions like fine and suspension while the team might have to start all over again from the FAM Cup competition, if they decided to withdraw and later return to play in the M-League.

“If possible, FAM does not want to punish any teams playing in the league. So, we want UPB-MyTEAM to reconsider their intention to withdraw,” he said after chairing the meeting at Wisma FAM here.

UPB-MyTEAM, playing in the Super League, are currently in 11th spot on the league table that comprises 14 teams, after collecting 29 points from nine wins, two draws and 12 loses.

Che Mat said even if UPB-MyTEAM remained adamant to withdraw from the Malaysia Cup, FAM would continue with the draw for the Malaysia Cup competition, scheduled on August 15, and later decide on their replacement.

“Currently, 50 per cent of teams playing in the league are faced with financial difficulties and if we can introduce a new format that can ease their burden, we will certainly look at it, as requested by the president,” he said.

FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah had urged the FAM Competitions Committee to look at ways to review the league format, if necessary, to find ways and means to make the league more exciting and competitive.

— Bernama