Genting deal off the table, Sri Pahang players told to leave the club

KUALA LUMPUR – Sri Pahang FC are likely to withdraw from the Super League next season after the club informed its star players to seek new opportunities, following the collapse of a proposed takeover by Genting Plantations Berhad.

Sources close to the club told Scoop that Sri Pahang’s proposed deal with Genting Plantations, reportedly worth between RM50 million and RM80 million, was deemed too expensive by the corporate entity, particularly considering the low return on investment (ROI) expected from owning the club.

Although Sri Pahang have yet to make an official announcement regarding their status, with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) club licensing deadline approaching this Saturday, several players have already taken to social media to express their gratitude towards the club.

“The Genting Plantations found the cost too high for a club that offers very little ROI. The company also laid out several conditions which Sri Pahang was not prepared to meet.

“With the Genting Plantations deal no longer on the table, it’s a huge setback for the club, as they currently have no other potential buyers lined up.

“There were big ambitions tied to the Genting takeover – the belief was that the club could retain its top players and coaching staff. But now, they are left with no choice but to let them go.

“Key players and several coaches have been advised to find new clubs in order to maintain a sustainable career. In fact, some players have already posted farewell messages to the club on social media.

“Sri Pahang’s future in the Super League will become clearer in the coming days or weeks, but one thing is certain – the end is near,” said the source.

If Sri Pahang do exit the Super League, they will become the second team to do so for next season, following Perak FC’s departure due to unresolved salary issues.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, revealed that two of the M-League’s historic clubs — Sri Pahang and Kedah FC — could shut down ahead of the 2025–26 season.

On the pitch, Sri Pahang showed promise this season under head coach Fandi Ahmad. They finished eighth in the Super League, reached the Malaysia Cup final, and made the FA Cup round of 16.

Founded in 1959, the club has a decorated history with five Super League titles, four Malaysia Cups, three FA Cups and three Charity Shields.

They were runners-up in the 2005 Asean Club Championship and made the AFC Cup quarter-finals in 2015. — May 8, 2025