PETALING JAYA, Dec 7 — Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLPP) has retained the Malaysia League format for next season.

Its chief executive officer, Kevin Ramalingam said the Malaysia League and Malaysia Cup would be held simultaneously, starting with the Charity Cup match between Johor Darul Ta’zim and Kedah on January 20, 2017.

The Premier League match would also start on the same date while the Super League would start on January 21.

The Malaysia League would rest for three weeks in August to make way for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

"Like last year, the Malaysia League will take a break during Ramadan. We have explained all the options available to smoothen the league matches next season. All teams opted to continue with this season’s format. The teams want to give the opportunity to FMLLP to ensure that this format is successful.

"We will ensure the match scheduling proceed smoothly. Due to the three-week break in August, the match schedule for July will be packed,” he said after briefing the general secretary of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), state football association secretaries and team executives at Kelana Jaya today.

Kevin also commented on PKNS FC which shifted patronage from the Selangor Football Association (FAS) to the Selangor Malay Football Association (PBMS).

He said FMLLP would refer to FAM before deciding on PKNS FC’s position in the Super League next season.

"Change of patronage is in the FAM statutes and only FAM can confirm a team’s membership. I am told PKNS FC had sent a letter to FMLLP but I have not read it yet, FAM must verify it and then we can decide on PKNS FC’s position.

"Changing patronage is not trivial, in the football structure from the grassroots to Fifa, the issue of affiliation does exist. Football is structured because it is administered through affiliated bodies.” — Bernama