KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 ― The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today confirmed 2017 Super League runners-up Pahang have officially turned down the invitation to represent Malaysia in the 2018 AFC Cup.  

FAM secretary-general, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said FAM did not receive any response from the Football Association of Pahang (PBNP) on the matter when the deadline passed on Thursday.

Hamidin said according to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations, the vacant slot left by Pahang could not be filled by any other teams.  

"As such, 2017 Super League champions, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) will be the sole representative for Malaysia in the 2018 AFC Champions League qualifying round. If JDT fail to advance to the group competition, they will automatically get the slot for 2018 AFC Cup.

 "However, if JDT qualify for the group level in the 2018 AFC Champions League, Selangor will be offered the 2018 AFC Cup slot,” he said in a statement today. ― Bernama