Latest news with #M-League
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MFL introduces tech to curb reckless club spending in M-League
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have turned to technology to tackle reckless club spending — installing software designed to lock team budgets the moment they hit their financial limits. The system is part of the MFL's push to enforce Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations for the 2025-2026 season, capping salary spending at 80 per cent of a club's annual budget. MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said the new software will track club expenses in real-time and automatically restrict further spending once the ceiling is reached. "The MFL has invested in software that blocks teams from going beyond their declared budgets. Declaring finances is now important," said Ab Ghani at a press conference at Wisma FAM on Friday. He added that all M-League clubs have been extensively educated on systematic spending, particularly on curbing the obsession with foreign signings that often leaves clubs in financial distress. The FFP measures come amid growing discontent among fans over the state of Malaysian football. In a show of solidarity, both the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and MFL have vowed to revive the domestic game and fully support Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's football reform agenda. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub said a resolution backing the Johor Regent — also the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) — has been unanimously adopted by state FAs and club representatives. "We met with the FAs and clubs and agreed to support Tunku Ismail's vision to fix Malaysian football," said Joehari. "We'll hold regular discussions to ensure that the governing bodies and clubs move forward together." Despite the proactive measures, uncertainty still hangs over the M-League and fans are growing restless. But for now, the football authorities are banking on stricter regulations and smarter tools to bring the game back on track.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pekan blasts MFL on new foreign quota for M-League teams
KUALA LUMPUR: Sports critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli has slammed the Malaysian Football League (MFL) over its recent decision to increase the foreign quota for M-League teams from 12 to 15 players next season. He warned that this could harm local football and the national team in the long term. "I am saddened as a fan, former footballer and critic when a statement like this came out saying tha we increase the quota until 15, that those who cannot afford it, don't do so. Is that what we want in football?" "We sell BMW and Mercedes, and people come to see. But if you can't afford them, get out of the showroom and look at Proton and Perodua. "Is that what they meant? That is your problem if you cannot afford it. That is not healthy nor a good concept for our football." Pekan asked whether there was "genuine consensus" among the stakeholders, saying that that in any proper organisation, board decisions represent collective agreement, not a top-down mandate. "Was this agreed upon by all? Because if it's consensus, then yes, everyone follows. "But is it fair play when some teams use seven to eight imports, not counting heritage or naturalised players, while others have only three or four? "Is this 11 versus 11 on a level field? The setting is not fair. We cannot just make drastic decisions like this and expect everyone to comply." Pekan urged MFL to rethink its approach by tailoring the increased foreign quota only for clubs that are also participating in Asian competitions. That these additional foreign players be limited strictly to those tournaments and not used in M-League matches. He warned that the increased foreigners presence would squeeze local players out of matchday squads, severely limiting their exposure and growth. "If you have seven imports and two more on the bench, and all teams fill the quota, how many local players are left to play? Only four?" Pekan warned that relying on heritage players as a shortcut could cripple the national football in the long run. "If we don't develop our local talents, how will we ever produce players like the Japanese or Koreans who play in the World Cup? This is also about building our national identity, our jati diri bangsa. We cannot lose that," he said.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski sees 'massive' Cape Verde test
KUALA LUMPUR: "They're going to be physical. They're going to be strong. They're going to be fast. They're going to be direct." That is how national coach Peter Cklamovski described Harimau Malaya's opponents, Cape Verde, in tomorrow's international friendly at KLFA Stadium. "It's about how we absorb that challenge and put our football in to challenge them. I'm excited about that," said Australian Cklamovski at a pre-match press conference today. And above all this, World No. 72 Cape Verde are ranked much higher than world No. 131 Malaysia. The African side, who are preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, are unlike the lowly teams like Timor Leste and Nepal that Malaysia usually played against in friendlies in recent years. Cklamovski said he hopes that the match against Cape Verde will help sharpen Malaysia for the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10. "We want to build up our mentality that wherever we play, whoever we play, in whatever conditions we play, we play our football," said Cklamovski. "Importantly, we use it as a game where we build up our fitness and take another step forward as a team. We have a mentality that there's 11 captains on the field. Whoever plays, it doesn't matter who." Cklamovski said it will be a "massive test" for Malaysia against Cape Verde in view of his players' current physical condition following the M-League off-season break. "The most important thing about football is your next match and respect everybody that we play against, and we'll certainly do that tomorrow night." Malaysia will play another friendly against Cape Verde on June 3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cape Verde to use M-League connection to beat Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Cape Verde are counting on their M-League connection against Malaysia in two international friendlies in Kuala Lumpur. The African side, ranked 72nd in the world, will face Harimau Malaya at KLFA Stadium on Thursday and on June 3 at the National Stadium (behind closed doors). Among their key players is Selangor forward Alvin Fortes. The Netherlands-born Fortes has 11 caps with Cape Verde. Newcomer Stephane Cueni, a Swiss-born midfielder who recently completed his nationality switch, was also named in the squad, The Blue Sharks are using the matches against Malaysia as preparation for their World Cup qualifiers in September. They currently lead Group B after defeating Mauritius 1-0 and Angola 2-1 in March. Their squad include European-based players Logan Costa (Villarreal), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), and Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew).
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor welcome 'extra foreign firepower' for new season
KUALA LUMPUR: With Selangor fighting on three fronts next season, they will need a lot of firepower — especially from overseas. So, the Malaysian Football League's decision to increase the foreign player quota from 12 to 15 is welcomed by the Red Giants. It is going to be taxing for Selangor — competing in the M-League, Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) and Asean Club Championship (ACC). Selangor technical committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar sees the increased foreign quota for the new M-League season as timely. "Last season, we registered 12 imports. This time, we are allowed 15, which is a good option to have, especially when you consider the increase in match-day slots," said Shahril. "We welcome this flexibility. But it doesn't mean we'll automatically sign all 15. We need to consider our budget, and more importantly, the quality of players available." Shahril believed this move will benefit clubs like Selangor and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), given their continental commitments. However, he acknowledged that not every team are in a position to fully utilise the new quota. "If a team can afford it and have the depth, go ahead. But if not, there's no pressure to hit that number. "As for us, we're still evaluating. It might stay at 12, or it might change depending on what the team need," he said. Shahril admitted that the 2025-2026 campaign will be hectic for Selangor, who earned their ACC spot as Super League runners-up. "It's going to be a packed year for us, the league, ACL2, and now the Asean Club Championship. But we are looking forward to this. "We're excited to compete at the regional level and hopefully make the country proud. Both Selangor and JDT will carry this responsibility," he added.
