logo
Pahang get lifeline as closing date for new Super League season extended

Pahang get lifeline as closing date for new Super League season extended

The Star30-04-2025

T. Saravanan celebrates with his team after scoring Pahang's first during the Malaysia Cup final against at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Financially-strapped football clubs in the country have been handed a much-needed lifeline after being granted a 10-day extension to complete their club licensing documentation for the 2025 Super League season.
The First Instance Body (FIB) has agreed to extend the deadline, which was originally set for April 30, to allow more time for clubs to finalise their paperwork.
The extension comes after several teams appealed to the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for more time to comply with the licensing requirements.
'The FIB has agreed to grant an extension for clubs to complete all necessary documentation under the 2024-2025 Club Licensing Cycle for the National Licence via the AFC CLAS system.
'The new deadline for all Super League clubs to submit the required documents is now set for May 10, 2025.
'It is our hope that with this extension, all outstanding documentation can be completed by the stipulated date,' said FIB in a statement released on Wednesday.
Financial troubles have once again cast a shadow over Malaysian football, with teams such as Kedah and Kuala Lumpur facing issues related to outstanding player salaries.
Perak have already confirmed they will not take part in next season's Super League, while the future of Pahang remains uncertain following club owner Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah's announcement that he plans to step away next season.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

In today's climate, some don't have the luxury of retirement
In today's climate, some don't have the luxury of retirement

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

In today's climate, some don't have the luxury of retirement

PETALING JAYA: Raising the retirement age to 65 will help seniors achieve greater financial stability. Lee Peng Joo, 70, said he works as a part-time electrical chargeman in his free time due to high demand from his former acquaintances in the industry. Needing to only do safety and operational checks on high-voltage electrical installations, Lee said the work is fairly simple and allows him to earn extra income without much hassle. 'I work under contract, so I typically only have to check an installation once a month, which normally takes less than half an hour at each site, and write an inspection report after that. 'It's technical work that keeps my mind fresh. It's not physically demanding so I don't have to worry about getting injured,' he said. Lee would love to continue working until he is 75 years old. A human resource executive who wanted to be known only as Johari said there is 'no choice but to work until I can't'. 'The cost of things isn't getting any cheaper, and I still have to get my youngest boy through university. Business owner G. James, 67, who runs an accounting firm, said he decided to continue working to reduce dependence on his children, who are all working. 'For me, it's a personal preference. 'Although my wife and three children have persuaded me to let go of the business since we're already doing well, I don't want to trouble anyone by asking for money. 'By continuously working past 60, I can still earn for my wife and myself,' he said. > see next page 'Every time there are proposals for the retirement age to be increased, I have no issue with it, but it must serve as a transition period for the younger up-and-coming talents. 'We won't be here forever and have to pass the torch one day,' he said. In the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, The Star met up with some retired seniors who have no other choice but to continue working to make ends meet. One such retiree is a 71-year-old man, who only wanted to be known as M, who runs his own roadside stall in Pudu selling miscellaneous items. M, who worked in a tailor shop before he retired over a decade ago, said he was forced to turn to running a small business as he needs money for daily expenses. 'I'm currently staying with my son who gives me pocket money once in a while, but it's not enough for my daily needs. 'I would rather earn my own income than depend solely on my son, to provide for me,' he said. Items sold at M's store include reading glasses and sunglasses for RM15 each that he had bought from wholesalers who were clearing stock. He also sells nail clippers and batteries for around RM5 each. Conditions were not so good for another retiree aged 78, who only wanted to be known as Awa, as he struggled to earn money to cover his room rental and daily needs. Awa, who is not married and has no kids, rents a small room in Pudu for RM200 a month. He worked as a construction worker until he was forced to retire two decades ago, which led to his savings eventually drying up about five years ago. He now covers his expenses by selling socks and phone cables at his roadside stall. 'My day usually begins early as I try to find a place to set up my stall beside a walkway by 8am and work until 3pm. 'I get the socks and cables from small convenience stores around the area, then resell them for a small margin that is just barely enough for my daily meals and rental costs,' he said.

Hevel hopes to be on another level with Harimau Malaya
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Harimau Malaya

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Hevel hopes to be on another level with Harimau Malaya

KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel (pic), it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. 'Honestly, I'm happy to be back,' said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. 'The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play.' Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. 'It came from my grandfather's side,' said the Dutch-born player. 'From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. ''I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from.' Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. 'Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result.' Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. 'We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution.' With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. 'Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday.'

Matching up to mixed stripes
Matching up to mixed stripes

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Matching up to mixed stripes

No time to waste: Imanol Machuca at Harimau Malaya's training session ahead of their match against Vietnam. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian football team have added more mixed heritage players to their line-up but Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik is relishing the challenge of taking on a side with something up their sleeves. For the South Korean, the new-look Harimau Malaya outfit only adds to the mystery ahead of the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow. 'Malaysia now have about eight to 10 newly naturalised (mixed heritage) players compared to their last tournament,' said Sang-sik to the media in Vietnam. 'It makes tactical analysis more challenging. We are continuing to monitor and prepare accordingly.' This wave of mixed heritage players, or addressed as the 'Malaysians Abroad' by coach Peter Cklamovski, are featuring in a competitive international for the first time. Thus, it has given Malaysia a more unpredictable look and Sang-sik knows better than to underestimate them. The new Malaysian heritage players that have joined this call-up are Argentine-born attackers Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca and centreback Facundo Garces, Brazilian-born striker Joao Figueiredo and Spanish-born centreback Jon Irazabal. While Malaysia are enjoying an extended preparation period under Cklamovski, the Golden Star Warriors are taking a more compressed route into the clash, with limited time and a depleted squad due to injuries. Sang-sik remains confident though. 'Compared to Malaysia, we've only had about 10 days to prepare. 'Some players from Hanoi Police and Binh Duong joined the training camp late, which slightly affected our preparations. But the team quickly adapted and have shown great training spirit.' One major setback came with the injury to star striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, who had just earned his first call-up under Sang-sik. 'It's a significant loss. His experience would have been valuable against Malaysia. Still, with the remaining 23 players, we are refining our gameplay and making the best possible preparations.' To bolster the side, Sang-sik is turning to Vietnamese-French defender Jason Pendant, whose versatility could prove key. 'He can play as a left-sided centreback, fullback, or even winger. His flexibility adds depth to our tactical options and we're working to see how best to utilise his strengths.' Despite the changes and setbacks, Vietnam enter the clash with a psychological advantage – they haven't lost to Malaysia in more than a decade. 'That's a remarkable record, especially given how competitive Malaysia and Thailand have been in the region. 'It reflects our meticulous preparation and the confidence we've built over the years.' On the challenge of playing away in a cauldron like Bukit Jalil, Sang-sik drew strength from past experience. 'We played in front of a packed Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand during the AFF Cup final. The pressure is intense but what matters is that our players trust themselves, their teammates, and the coaching staff.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store