Latest news with #YusoffMahadi
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kelantan Red Warriors' league debut delayed by FIFA transfer ban
KUALA LUMPUR: The Amateur Football League (AFL) has postponed Kelantan Red Warriors' (KRW) first two A1 Semi-Pro League matches due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. KRW had submitted a full explanation to FIFA on Saturday — two days before Monday's deadline — in response to a show-cause letter from world football's governing body. AFL chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the league is giving KRW some leeway to resolve the issue before deciding whether to let them remain in the competition. "KRW received a letter from FIFA about a transfer ban originally imposed on Kelantan FC, as they are seen as the same entity. "FIFA is expected to make a decision on KRW's status by Aug 14. Until then, KRW has been given a chance to respond," said Yusoff on Tuesday, following the 2025/26 A1 Semi-Pro League official broadcaster announcement. "AFL understands KRW cannot register players until the issue is resolved, which means they have no players to field despite the league starting on August 2. "We're giving them time until FIFA decides. As a result, two KRW matches scheduled before Aug 14 will be postponed. We hope KRW can resolve this matter and stay in the league. It would be a shame if they were excluded." KRW, coached by Irfan Bakti, were due to face Selangor FC on Aug 4 and Seoul Phoenix on Aug 10 in their opening two games. A search of the FIFA database shows Kelantan FC are under a registration ban, listed eight times since 2023. The reasons remain undisclosed. FIFA is holding KRW accountable for Kelantan FC's salary arrears, citing the sporting succession rule, which allows sanctions on new clubs deemed to have inherited the obligations of their predecessors.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Prize money doubled but pro clubs crowd A1 Semi-Pro League
KUALA LUMPUR: The A1 Semi-Pro League is set for a revamp next season, with prize money doubled from RM100,000 to RM200,000, but eyebrows are being raised over the influx of full-fledged professional teams. Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the financial boost is aimed at lifting the standard and intensity of the competition. "We've increased the prize money to RM200,000 for the new season. It's a 100 per cent jump. While it may not sound like much, it's a move to inject more excitement and competitiveness," said Yusoff, who is also FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president. However, the make-up of the 16 confirmed teams has triggered concerns, with several professional outfits and feeder squads included, raising questions about the league's semi-pro status. Among the teams are top-tier reserve sides JDT II and Selangor II, as well as Immigration II, Kelantan WTS, Armed Forces, Malaysian University, Manjung City, Bunga Raya, Perlis GSA, UM-Damansara United, Machan, and South Korean amateur outfit FC Seoul Phoenix. Also entering are former Super League sides Kedah Darul Aman and Perak, both of whom failed to obtain national licences. Their inclusion brings top-flight experience but adds to the growing imbalance. Under AFL rules, teams must have at least 10 contracted players to qualify as semi-pro. But Yusoff admitted many clubs are fielding fully professional squads. "Although the minimum is 10 contracted players, several teams have gone full professional. It's almost a pro league now, just under a semi-pro label," he said. The shift has led to concerns that the league — meant as a bridge between amateur and professional levels — is being skewed in favour of clubs with superior infrastructure, threatening its development-focused purpose.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM credits JDT for strengthening Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: The wealth of talent in the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) team has been a blessing for Harimau Malaya on the international stage. JDT's pool of talented local and naturalised players has helped raise the standards of Harimau Malaya, contributing to the team's climb of six spots to No. 125 in the latest FIFA world rankings. FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said this also benefits Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski when it comes to closely monitoring the performances of the national players, a majority of whom represent JDT. "The presence of JDT players only strengthens the national squad," he told reporters at the FAM-Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad strategic cooperation signing ceremony on Friday. JDT, who have won the Super League 11 consecutive times, recently signed four new heritage players — midfielder Nacho Mendez, striker Joao Figueiredo, defender Jon Irazabal and midfielder Hector Hevel — for the 2025-2026 M-League season. Figueiredo, Irazabal and Hevel were in the squad when Harimau Malaya thrashed Vietnam 4-0 in Bukit Jalil in last month's Asian Cup qualifier. Asked whether JDT's overwhelming depth created an unfair advantage over other M-League clubs, Yusoff acknowledged the disparity. "Yes, they are far ahead domestically. But JDT are competing at the highest level — the Asian Champions League Elite — and are aiming for the Club World Cup. "They had to recruit accordingly," he said. "From the national team's perspective, we must take full advantage. JDT's preparation is clearly top-notch, and having so many talented, skilful players in one club gives us a solid platform to build a strong Harimau Malaya."
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Korea's FC Seoul Phoenix get nod for A1 Semi Pro League
KUALA LUMPUR: The A1 Semi Pro League will feature South Korean side FC Seoul Phoenix for the 2025-2026 season. Phoenix were one of the final four teams to complete the 16-club cast for the upcoming season. The other three are Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC), Guar Syed Alwi FC (GSA FC) and UM-Damansara United, who had previously been granted conditional approvals. Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the three teams had submitted the required documents within the stipulated time frame to secure their places. "Kedah Darul Aman FC, Guar Syed Alwi FC, and FC Seoul Phoenix have all been officially confirmed for the A1 Semi Pro League 2025-2026," said Yusoff in a statement today (June 16). UM-Damansara United, who were initially placed on the waiting list alongside Ipoh City FC, also made the cut after successfully completing the vetting process. "UM-Damansara United's participation has been confirmed, bringing the total number of competing teams to 16. However, Ipoh City FC have decided to withdraw from the competition," he added. The AFL Board of Directors had earlier confirmed 12 clubs during their meeting on June 5, which includes returning sides such as Armed Forces FC, Manjung City FC, Imigresen FC II, Johor Darul Ta'zim II, Selangor FC II, Kelantan WTS FC and Kedah FA. Also in the mix are Machan FC, Kelantan Red Warriors FC, Bunga Raya FC, Malaysian University and the Perak FA (PAFA).
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.
