Latest news with #MalaysianLeague
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Terengganu deny in talks to release winger Akhyar
KUALA NERUS: Terengganu have denied allegations that the club are currently in negotiations with Brunei for the transfer of their agile winger Akhyar Rashid. Their acting chief executive officer, Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain said that so far, no party had come forward with an official request, including the invited Super League team Brunei. He said the Kedah-born player has a contract with the Turtles until 2027 and remains in the team's main plans for the upcoming Malaysian League (M-League) season. 'The player (Akhyar) is still contracted until 2027. We have not received any official letter, let alone engaged in negotiations with Brunei regarding the player's transfer,' said Syahrizan. 'We consider the matter to be mere rumours and speculation on social media. Our focus is on building the team for the new season.' However, Syahrizan said that if any party was interested in acquiring their player, they must go through the correct channels and procedures as stipulated by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL). According to him, the Turtles will only consider any transfer offers if the player is not in the coaching staff's plans for the 2025-2026 season. Akhyar, 26, joined Terengganu last season on a loan deal. During that period, he successfully scored 10 goals in the M-League and Shopee Cup competitions. — Bernama
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Harith prepared to fight for place as Cklamovski calls up 14 defenders
KUALA LUMPUR: The competition among defenders for spots in the national football team starting XI appears to be wide open. National head coach Peter Cklamovski has called up no less than 14 defenders for centralised training ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers. Selangor defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar believes it is the right move as Malaysia needs to build a solid defence for their crucial Asian Cup qualifier clash with Vietnam in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Harith previously forged a solid partnership at the back with Shahrul Saad, Dion Cools and Matthew Davies during Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal in their Asian Cup qualifying (Group F) opening match on March 25. Harith said that he is still working his way back to full fitness after a three-week break after the Malaysian League (M-League) season ended, but is banking on his fighting spirit to win a spot in the team. "It's definitely tough to get back to peak fitness, but as a professional player, I know the situation and what is required. I believe all the players have made their own preparations before joining the Harimau Malaya training camp," said the 22-year-old centre back. "The coach (Cklamovski) has called up 38 players — most of whom are defenders. It gives me and the others a chance to compete and learn the tactical approach of the team. "That said, my focus isn't on making the final list of 23 players. Instead, I'm concentrating on training over the next week and proving myself to the coaching staff." Malaysia, ranked No. 131 in the world, will take on No.72 Cape Verde in a friendly match in Kuala Lumpur on May 29 as part of their preparations to play Vietnam. Harith believes the match will be vital in building a strong understanding among the defenders. "Under coach Peter and his experienced backroom team, we will certainly gain valuable exposure against Cape Verde, especially in terms of tactical play," said Harith. "We'll give our best and execute whatever plans coach Peter has in mind while fine-tuning our rhythm in preparation for the match against Vietnam."
The Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Kelantan prep for massive revamp ahead of new season
KOTA BARU: Kelantan will undergo a major overhaul to be a more competitive squad in the Malaysian League, especially the Super League for the 2025-2026 season. Their chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Irwan Rizal Ali Napiah said that his current focus, together with the leadership team, is to ensure that outstanding salary arrears owed to players from last season can be resolved quickly. 'We will bring in quality players and coaching staff to ensure Kelantan can compete with other teams in next season's league campaign,' said Irwan. 'The most important thing right now is that we do not want to face the same (debt) issues this season. 'We want to begin the new league season debt-free.' Irwan said although the club would carry out changes in players and coaches this season, spending will be done prudently according to financial capacity. Previously, Kelantan president Rozi Muhamad admitted there were still outstanding arrears owed to players for the 2024-2025 season, but stressed that efforts had been actively made to settle them soon. Irwan said the club management were also working to ensure all requirements set by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for this season's club licensing would be fulfilled. 'A few remaining documents are being finalised, and we are committed to meeting every requirement before the final decision is announced by the MFL. 'I am confident Kelantan will continue to compete in the M-League,' he added. — Bernama
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Privatisation is the way to go to improve professionalism in football
PETALING JAYA: Embrace privatisation rather than lamenting about it. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul (pic) said privatisation of the Malaysian League was not a failure. Instead, he urged Malaysian clubs, particularly their management personnel, to take greater responsibility in handling their teams. He emphasised that the recent financial issues faced by clubs in the Super League and A1 Semi-Pro League were not the result of privatisation, but stemmed from the complacent attitudes of some clubs that failed to manage their affairs proactively. Windsor also stressed the importance of professionalism across all Malaysian League clubs, affirming that the move from State Football Associations (FAs) to Football Clubs (FCs) was the right step forward in the modern football era. 'I do not see the privatisation of this league as a failure. Instead, it is a necessary process for progress,' said Windsor. 'This is the time for clubs to learn to meet the criteria and regulations set by the AFC. How long do we want to remain stagnant?' he questioned. 'Clubs need to be more proactive and understand the intricacies of professional club management. 'Don't blame privatisation, the real responsibility lies with the club management, which must be smarter and more effective in overseeing all aspects of the club. 'The AFC's rules and regulations are in line with those of other leagues. If some Malaysian League clubs can meet these standards, there's no reason others cannot.' Recently, Perak announced that they would pull out from the Super League due to financial constraints while Pahang are expected to join them as well. Both clubs could be bought over by new owners before the club licensing deadline tomorrow. Clubs like Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, etc are also struggling with salary arrears, which has stained the image of the league in terms of financial management.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Leave running football clubs to those who are capable, says Sports Ministers
PETALING JAYA: Football should not be used as a platform to cling to power, says Hannah Yeoh. The Youth and Sports Minister stressed that only those with the proper management capabilities should be entrusted with running football clubs to ensure the continuity of the domestic league and safeguard players' welfare. She said the failure of some clubs to handle basic matters like salary payments and player welfare could seriously undermine efforts to attract sponsors to support the growth of football. 'If football is already struggling to secure sponsors, imagine how hard it is for other sports. Football has a massive following, so when it comes to convincing sponsors, they're mainly looking at how clubs are run, whether salaries are paid on time and players' welfare is taken care of. 'If you're not capable, don't get involved. Let others take over. The problem is, sometimes people don't have the means but still want to hold on to power, and that prevents others from stepping in,' said Hannah. At present, many teams in the Malaysian League are facing severe financial issues, with salary arrears continuing to plague players. The situation worsened recently when FIFA placed seven Malaysian teams on its transfer ban list — Kelantan FC, Kelantan FA, PT Athletic FC, Sarawak United, Perlis, Melaka United FC, and Melaka United. Terengganu were also on the transfer ban list but have since clarified that all outstanding payments were settled by the end of April. Yeoh also commented on calls to boycott the domestic league in protest of Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) dominance, saying the idea was misguided. Instead, she said other teams should focus on improving themselves to compete with the Southern Tigers. 'I don't think it's fair to blame JDT for being successful. The focus should be on catching up to their level — not boycotting or withdrawing just because they're too good. That's not a rational or appropriate response. 'As I see it, JDT have helped raise the standard of local football as a club and should be commended. Other teams should take this as motivation to compete with them in a healthy manner, not adopt the attitude of 'if we can't match JDT, we might as well not play'. That's not the spirit of sportsmanship,' she added.
