Kuala Lumpur: Sri Pahang FC’s decision to opt out of the 2025/2026 Malaysia League (M-League) season marks a significant loss for Malaysian football, according to former Pahang coach Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan. Zainal, a legend within The Elephants squad, expressed his disappointment and acknowledged the long-standing history and contributions of the team to Malaysian football, including their triumphs in the Super League, Malaysia Cup, and FA Cup, as well as their role in nurturing numerous national players.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zainal shared his sentiments, stating, “This is a sad decision … however, we must respect it (the decision not to compete). But it’s a great loss. A huge loss for the country’s football, the league, and Pahang. I hope the situation will recover and Pahang will return,” during his attendance at the WRA Academy Football Clinic held at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Stadium.

Despite the setback, the Football Association of Malaysia executive committee member remains optimistic about Pahang’s future in talent development. He noted that while the senior team will be absent, the youth teams continue to be active, which he sees as a positive step forward. “In my view, what’s missing is the senior team, but the youth teams are still active. That’s a positive move. I hope these young players won’t give up and will work hard to restore Pahang’s image until the team returns to the top league,” added Zainal, who celebrated Malaysia Cup victories with Pahang in 1983 and 1992 as a player.

The Malaysian Football League recently announced that despite Sri Pahang obtaining the 2025-2026 National Licence, the club submitted a confirmation letter dated June 16, 2025, to withdraw from the M-League. Sri Pahang concluded last season’s Super League in eighth place with 29 points.