Latest news with #A1Semi-ProLeague
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
It's A1 Semi-Pro League for Perak FA next season
THE Perak Football Association (Perak FA) have confirmed that they will join the A1 Semi-Pro League, which is expected to kick off this August. The announcement was made by its president Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin in a statement on Perak FA's official Facebook page today, following a meeting with Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, yesterday. He said the Bos Gaurus line-up will consist of players from the Perak Malaysia Games (SUKMA) squad as well as several senior players who previously played in the Super League. 'The Menteri Besar also expressed strong support for Perak FA's efforts to rebuild from the ground up and to provide opportunities for young local talents to shine on a bigger stage. 'He also advised us to start with a solid, well-organised foundation, centred on the development of homegrown talents,' he said. Mohd Azhar said that besides competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League, the association will also focus on rebuilding the state's youth and feeder teams, as well as grassroots-level competitions. 'This includes the restructuring of teams for the 2026 President's Cup and Youth Cup, focusing on the development of the SUKMA team, in addition to organising state-level leagues such as Liga Perak Sejahtera 2030, the State Amateur Club League, the IPTA/IPTS Perak League, and the District Integrity League (Under-17),' he said. He expressed hope that these efforts would contribute towards restoring the glory of Perak football. On May 22, Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi welcomed the participation of Perak FA and Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) in the A1 League following both teams' failure to obtain a National Licence to compete in the Super League next season.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perak start anew by competing in A1 Semi-Pro League next season
PETALING JAYA: Perak will compete in the A1 Semi-Pro League next season, joining their northern neighbours Kedah, who have also pledged to do so. After the previous owners said they would not compete in any competition due to finances, the Perak Football Association (Pafa) said they would chart a fresh course with renewed energy and a clear vision to reclaim their proud legacy in Malaysian football. On May 23, Kedah and Perak failed to obtain the National Licence required for participation in the 2025-2026 Super League season. Pafa's immediate focus now lies in assembling a competitive team, with the Malaysia Games (Sukma) Perak squad forming the backbone of this rebuilding phase. This team will serve as the foundation for Perak's return to prominence in the domestic scene. Plans are under way to compete in AFL-sanctioned leagues as a starting point, alongside long-term preparations for Sukma 2026, the President's Cup 2026, and Youth Cup 2026 campaigns. Now standing as the central pillar of football in the state, Pafa acknowledge the disappointment felt by fans in recent years, but calls for unity and belief. 'This is the time to come together, rebuild, and plant the seeds of renewed hope,' said Azhar. 'We don't promise miracles, but we promise extraordinary commitment, perseverance, and an unwavering fighting spirit. For the crest, for the pride, and Perak Darul Ridzuan, so stay with us.'
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Kedah and Perak ineligible to play in the Super League
No encore: Kedah players paying respects to their fans at the Darulaman Stadium during a Super League match earlier this season. PETALING JAYA: Two of Malaysia's football heavyweights Kedah and Perak face an uncertain future after failing to obtain the National Licence required for participation in the 2025-2026 Super League season. According to an announcement by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) First Instance Body (FIB), both teams were denied licences due to non-compliance with the financial criteria set out in the MFL Club Licensing Regulations (CLR). Without the licence, Kedah and Perak are currently ineligible to compete in the upcoming Super League, unless a successful appeal or corrective action is made in time with a new investor set to come in. It is learnt that Kedah have also applied to play in the A1 Semi-Pro League, while Perak remain a mystery though in the past there were hints that the team would not pull out. Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the A1 Semi-Pro League under his stewardship could be a platform for both these teams to rebuild and be part of the big league one day. 'We do not want teams, who when they fall, immediately go missing. The A1 League should be a platform for Kedah and Perak to stay alive, to keep fighting,' he said. 'These teams now need the space to breath, rearrange and slowly build their strength. Our hope is to see them in the big league again.' The MFL FIB confirmed that 11 Super League clubs have successfully obtained their licences, including Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Pahang and Negri Sembilan. Pahang's status in the league seems to be in limbo in the beginning but looks like the Elephants have done a U-turn and will compete in the top division. However, three clubs were only granted licences with sanctions. They are Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan and Police. These clubs are required to submit additional financial documentation by May 31. Failure to do so could lead to their licences being revoked. From the A1 Semi-Pro League, Melaka and Immigration were granted exceptional licences under Article 15 of the MFL CLR, allowing them to compete in the Super League next season. FIB chairman Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif stressed that licences are only issued to clubs that comply with six key criteria, which are sporting, infrastructure, personnel administration, legal, financial, and business. 'I congratulate all clubs that succeeded and appreciate their efforts in ensuring full compliance with the licensing standards,' he said. Another team that will be joining the league are Brunei, who officially confirmed on their website that they will be part of the Super League and have signed rightback Fairuz Zakaria from Penang for the Super League challenge.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
FIB flip-flop raises fresh doubts over Super League licensing
KUALA LUMPUR: Just six days after the May 10 deadline for clubs to submit their documents for the 2025-2026 national licence, the Malaysian Football League's (MFL) First Instance Body (FIB) appears to be backpedalling — fast. In a statement released today, FIB chairman Sheikh Nasir Sheikh Sharif said the body is still reviewing documents submitted by clubs, but did not specify which teams had applied or whether all had met the deadline. "The FIB wishes to inform that the document review process for national licence applications submitted by all clubs to compete in the 2025-2026 Super League is ongoing. "The committee requires a bit more time to thoroughly review a total of 387 documents and entries from each Super League club and 98 documents and entries submitted by A1 Semi-Pro League clubs before the May 10 closing date," said Sheikh Nasir in a statement issued by the MFL today. However, the latest statement raises eyebrows as it comes just days after the FIB confidently declared that all Super League teams along with Melaka FC and Immigration FC from the A1 Semi-Pro League had submitted their documents on time. That earlier announcement, made last Sunday, left little room for doubt. "All Super League clubs, including two clubs from the A1 Semi-Pro League, Melaka FC and Immigration FC, have uploaded documents for the 2025-2026 national licence application," the statement read. Yet several teams facing well-known financial issues have openly admitted they were not applying for the licence, leaving many questioning why the FIB claimed otherwise. To further muddy the waters, last weekend's statement noted that the MFL's club licensing unit would be reviewing the documents before handing them over to the FIB for a decision. Today's version makes no mention of the licensing unit, instead suggesting that the FIB is directly handling the entire review process. Another notable shift lies in the wording. Last Sunday's confident use of "all Super League clubs" has now been replaced with "each Super League club" — a subtle but telling change that hints at a retreat from their earlier blanket assurance. "Once all documents have been reviewed, the FIB will make an official announcement on the outcome of the 2025-2026 national licence applications," added Sheikh Nasir. Unlike the earlier statement, which firmly stated that no deadline extensions would be given, today's version offers no clarity on timelines or consequences for non-compliance.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Silver lining for Perak?
Still in the running: Perak's A. Shivan tries to dribble past Sabah's Darren Lok during a Super League match on April 20. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for Perak. The Silver State club chairman Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi revealed that they could have a new investor soon and would be able to meet the Malaysian Football League (MFL) club licensing deadline today. 'As long as we have proof of funds, it should not be an issue. I did say three companies have expressed interest but there is one taking it further already,' said Azim. 'We can't disclose the identity of the investor yet, but we are looking to wrap things up quickly.' Perak were owned by XOX Pro Sport Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of XOX Berhad, which took over the club in 2022 from Impact Media and Communication (IMC) Sdn Bhd. Two weeks ago, Perak, eight-time Malaysia Cup champions, officially announced their withdrawal from next season's Super League due to worsening financial troubles. Besides Perak, another club likely to pull out from the Super League are Pahang, with players revealing that they had received letters stating the team's decision not to play in the top flight. Pahang's management have yet to issue any statement on their future plans, but it is learnt that the club are considering playing in the A1 Semi-Pro League. Then there are clubs like Kedah and Kelantan, who are beleaguered by salary arrears, thus jeopardising their chances of getting a national licence. Acting chief executive officer of MFL Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd said they have to wait till today (until 11.59 pm) to know the number of applicants for the national licence. 'As of now, most clubs have applied for the national licence, including two from the A1 Semi-Pro League (champions Melaka and runners-up Immigration).' Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Sabah and Penang have attained their AFC licences to compete in next season's Asian and Asean competitions.
