In a surprising development, Pahang have rejected an opportunity to play in the 2018 AFC Cup.
The 2017 Malaysian Super League runners-up were offered one of the two spots by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after Kedah, who had secured the spot after winning last season's FA Cup, failed to complete their registration and obtain an AFC licence.
"Pahang Football Association were offered an opportunity to compete in the 2018 AFC Cup as per an FAM letter dated 9 November 2017," read an official statement released by the three-time AFC Cup participants on Tuesday.
"However, we have declined the opportunity on 14 November 2017 to give our attention to the domestic league."
Their decision to do so could potentially throw a spanner to the works because according to Article 12.12 of the AFC Entry Manual, "if an eligible club refuses to enter an AFC Competition, despite being licensed and meeting the sporting criteria, the slot allocated to its Member Association shall be annulled, regardless of whether it is a direct slot or playoff slot."
Based on that, should they fail to qualify for the AFC Champions League, league champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) will be Malaysia's sole representative in the AFC Cup next year.
The FAM have yet to comment on the matter.
Seng Foo Lee
Tue Nov 21 2017
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