Latest news with #MalaysianFootballLeague
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
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak FC suspends all operations amid financial crisis
IPOH: Perak FC has suspended all operations with immediate effect due to financial issues facing the team. Perak FC management, in a statement tonight, announced that it has sent back imported players and paid what it can to the staff and players of the Bos Gaurus squad with the remaining funds. "All staff and players have been informed that Perak FC will not participate in any league or competition in the coming season. "The players and coaches are now free to seek opportunities at other football clubs," according to the statement uploaded on its Facebook page. The team management announced that Perak FC has started its journey by clearing the RM8 million debt left by the previous management and allocating RM10 million annually to manage the club's operations. "Every cent invested was used only for operating costs and salaries of all four teams, coaches and administrative staff last season. "After three years or two and a half seasons, with investments exceeding RM40 million, we are very sad to announce that there are no more funds left to allocate," according to a statement from the team's management. The team's management also informed that they are still managing the team's training equipment and remaining merchandise for sale and are waiting for funds from the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to settle outstanding obligations as best as possible. "To the players and staff, thank you for your service and dedication throughout your time with Perak FC. "This is not the end we had hoped for but we have to stand on solid ground and accept the fact that the lack of funds has limited everything, and the time has come for the club to close," the statement said. On May 22, the media reported that Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) and Perak FC would not be competing in the Super League next season after failing to obtain a national license from the Malaysian Football League (MFL). Earlier on April 26, Perak FC chairman Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi confirmed that the Bos Gaurus had to withdraw from the Super League next season due to financial issues. - Bernama
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
RIP to KL football team's Wonder Boy Gopinath
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football lost another great player following former national player T. Gopinath Naidu's (pic) passing at the age of 51 due to cardiac arrest yesterday. The Malaysian Football League (MFL) shared the news on social media and extended their condolences to Gopinath's family. 'Deepest condolences to the family of the legendary Gopinath. May he rest in peace. 'Gopinath, known as the Wonder Boy of the Kuala Lumpur football team, passed away at the age of 51,' said MFL. Gopinath came from Kuala Lumpur's youth team at the age of 12 and joined the senior team in 1992. He went on to make a name for himself after winning the FA Cup in 1993 and 1994 with Kuala Lumpur. Gopinath also put on the Harimau Malaya jersey when he represented Malaysia at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics pre-qualifying fixture. Gopinath's performance on the pitch also earned him stints overseas, playing with Aston Villa in England and Bayern Leverkusen in Germany during his career. But as he was reaching his peak, recurring knee injuries and undergoing 19 surgeries forced the footballer to retire at the age of 25 in 1999. At the end of his footballing career, Gopinath had a short stint with Perak in 1996.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Brunei in but MFL remain silent on number of teams for Super League
KUALA LUMPUR: Brunei have confirmed their participation in the 2025-2026 Super League season, even as the Malaysian Football League (MFL) remain tight-lipped on the official number of teams for the upcoming campaign. The club made the announcement in a statement on the signing of Penang defender Mohd Fairuz Zakaria. In the same statement, Brunei also confirmed that both their countrymen and Malaysian players will be regarded as local players in the team's roster for the new league season. 'Fairuz has agreed to join Brunei for the new season. Bruneian players as well as Malaysian players are considered local players for the club for this season, which is very good news for us. 'He is the first Malaysian player that will be in our roster. Fairuz, 27, has been a regular in the team for Penang last season and Brunei are hoping that he would do well with the team,' according to a statement on the club's official website. Last Friday, the First Instance Body (FIB), an independent licensing authority, stated that the document review process for clubs applying for the National Licence to compete in the 2025-2026 season was still ongoing. This follows media reports suggesting several teams, including Perak and Pahang, may withdraw from the competition. Brunei will be the only professional team in the country, and they are still completing their remaining fixtures in the Singapore Premier League. — Bernama
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KDNFC committed to start new season without debts
KELANTAN Darul Naim FC (KDNFC) is committed to starting the 2025-2026 Super League season without any debt and striving to restore the glory of football in the state. Its chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Irwan Rizal Ali Napiah, said the club is serious in settling all existing arrears before the league kicks off this August. 'KDNFC is really serious about settling all existing arrears based on the findings we have received, so that our commitment for next season can begin without any debt. 'The rescheduling of payments is being done because it involves different amounts and cases. It not only involves the payment of players' salaries, but also the management, and until now, there are still people coming forward to demand their arrears,' he told reporters here tonight. He said the immediate settlement of the debt is important because if given a mandate, KDNFC wants to start the competition without any arising issues, besides fulfilling the conditions set by the Malaysian Football League (MFL). Meanwhile, Mohd Irwan Rizal said KDNFC did not rule out the possibility of collaborating with influential individuals such as Tan Sri Annuar Musa to strengthen the team. 'We cannot deny Tan Sri Annuar's services and expertise in the Kelantan football arena. We appreciate all his 'postings' at this time, which indirectly show interest in the Kelantan football team,' he said. Commenting on the offer that KDNFC will present to regain the support of the state's football fans, he said a new team that will be formed will feature a stronger performance. He said the team line-up will comprise experienced and new players with great skills, to restore the glory of Kelantan football.
