Latest news with #FirstInstanceBody
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Kedah and Perak out of Super League
PETALING JAYA: Kedah and Perak will play no part in the Malaysian Super League after failing to obtain the National Licence required for participation next season. According to the announcement by the First Instance Body (FIB) on Thursday (May 22), both teams were denied licences due to non-compliance with the financial criteria set out in the Malaysian Football League Club Licensing Regulations (MFL CLR) 2024/2025 edition. 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. The FIB also confirmed that 11 Super League clubs successfully obtained their licences, including Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Pahang, and Negri Sembilan. However, three clubs were only granted licences with sanctions, namely, 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, enabling them to compete in the Super League next season. Brunei will be the 14th team participating in the league, with the club confirming their exit from the Singapore League to move to Malaysia.
The Star
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Moving goalposts' frequently may affect league's credibility, say Penang
PETALING JAYA: Penang warned that repeated leniency could set a dangerous precedent in Malaysian football. While appreciating the flexibility granted by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) First Instance Body (FIB) Committee for club licensing deadline, they have expressed reservations about the long-term implications of such decisions. The MFL had extended the deadline from April 30 to May 10. The club recognise the gesture by the FIB Committee in considering the challenges faced by some teams but said it could lead to more problems. 'While we appreciate the concern shown by the FIB, we are deeply concerned that repeated extensions could lead to financial problems being deferred rather than resolved,' the club stated. 'Without the pressure of a fixed deadline, issues that should be addressed immediately may instead be allowed to fester, potentially threatening the viability of clubs.' Penang also stressed that such flexibility could adversely impact players, staff, sponsors, and fans, key stakeholders who rely on professional management and financial stability. The club voiced frustration that teams which met the original deadline were not acknowledged or incentivised for their compliance, creating a perception that adhering to regulations goes unnoticed. 'The extension is a major blow to clubs like ours who have worked tirelessly to meet the licensing requirements on time. 'This lack of recognition sends a disheartening message and undermines our commitment to integrity and professionalism.' The club cautioned that allowing non-compliant teams to continue competing could lead to an unbalanced playing field and affect the league's credibility. 'Frequent deadline extensions risk creating a culture where regulatory compliance is seen as optional. 'This not only erodes the standards of local football but could also tarnish Malaysia's reputation on the regional and international stage, especially under the scrutiny of the AFC.' Penang reasserted their dedication to operating with integrity and called on the MFL to recognise the efforts of clubs that consistently meet licensing requirements. 'We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and good governance. We hope the MFL will duly appreciate the efforts of clubs that have gone above and beyond to uphold the standards expected of professional football.'
