Latest news with #ZulakbalAbdulKarim
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Increased imports quota will boost big guns' chances abroad, says critic
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League's (MFL) decision to expand the foreign player quota from nine to 15 for the 2025-2026 Super League season is expected to boost Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor's chances in international competitions. Last season, JDT invested heavily in a bid to create history in the Asian Champions League (ACL) but crashed out in the round of 16 while Selangor failed to progress beyond the group stage of the ACL 2. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes the Super League is set to become a "training ground" for these two powerhouses as they prepare for continental competitions. "JDT and Selangor are the best teams in the Super League and have the financial strength to sign 15 imports and pay their wages without any issues," said Zulakbal recently. "JDT have been investing in their squad for years in the hopes of making an impact in the ACL, though they've yet to go beyond the round of 16. "Selangor also have ambitions in ACL 2. MFL's decision to increase the import quota from nine to 15 is aimed at supporting these two clubs to bring glory to Malaysian football. "Most other Super League teams are already struggling to pay players' wages. And with this increase in imports (quota), I think many will have to be content to compete among themselves to finish (third) behind JDT and Selangor." Zulakbal added that while most Super League clubs are unlikely to match JDT and Selangor in the near term, they must persevere and develop long-term strategies to remain relevant in Malaysian football. He pointed out that even dominant clubs eventually face decline, citing Manchester United and Real Madrid as examples. "Globally, it's rare for a club to dominate indefinitely. We've seen this in the M-League as well, with Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Kelantan all having their successful eras eventually come to an end," added the AFC Elite Instructor. "I think other Super League teams should be brave enough to field their talented youngsters. "Yes, they will struggle at first against the heavyweights but over a few seasons, they will improve and be ready to challenge the big guns. "I foresee that one day JDT will slow down—either after achieving all they set out to or if their funding is reduced. When that happens, teams that have developed local talent will be ready to emerge as the new heavyweights."
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Slimmed-down' Super League can still power Malaysia to World Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: A smaller Super League can still produce quality players for the national team, despite growing concerns over its shrinking size. Perak FC last week pulled out of next season's Super League due to financial woes, and several other clubs are reportedly facing similar issues. This could see the current 13-team competition reduced to just eight or ten sides next season. The prospect of a downsized league has raised fears it might weaken the national player pool. But history shows that small leagues can still develop talent capable of shining on the world stage. Countries such as Iceland, Slovenia, and New Zealand — with leagues featuring as few as 10 to 12 teams playing four-round formats — have all qualified for the World Cup. Iceland made it in 2018, Slovenia in 2002 and 2010, and New Zealand in 1982 and 2010. Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland, with similarly compact league systems, also reached the 2010 finals. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said the number of teams is not the main issue, as long as the league meets Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standards to qualify for the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) or ACL II. "I believe the AFC requires leagues to run for at least eight months per season, and clubs must play a minimum of 27 competitive domestic matches," he said. "If there are only eight teams, the league can adopt a four-round format. Several countries do this and their national teams have still played in the World Cup. I don't see why the M-League can't adapt." Zulakbal stressed that while Super League clubs must improve their management and financial stability, the league must go on. "Harimau Malaya need players who are fit and ready for high-intensity international matches," he added. Meanwhile, the First Instance Body (FIB) has extended the deadline for Super League clubs to upload their club licensing documents to May 10. FIB chairman Sheikh Nasir Sheikh Sharif said in a statement today that the decision came after multiple clubs requested more time to complete their documentation. "The FIB committee has agreed to grant an extension to all clubs," he said.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Funds dry up, clubs die': Critic paints bleak future for Malaysian football
KUALA LUMPUR: Perak FC's decision to withdraw from next season's Super League has raised alarm bells — a clear sign that deep-rooted issues in Malaysian football can no longer be ignored. Founded in 1921, Perak had played in the M-League for over a century, winning two Super League titles, eight Malaysia Cups and two FA Cups during their illustrious history. Their exit marks the end of an era for one of Malaysia's oldest and most storied clubs, after chairman Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi admitted they could not keep the club afloat despite spending more than RM40 million. Perak are among many teams that have withdrawn or failed to obtain club licensing over the years. Others include Melaka United, PJ City, Kelantan, Perlis, Felda United, Public Bank, Telekom Malaysia, UPB-MyTeam and UiTM — most due to financial issues. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim described Perak's withdrawal as a sad case and a wake-up call for the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL). "The Perak owner spent millions but could not sustain it, and it's a sad moment for Malaysian football," he told Timesport. "We could see more clubs folding for the same reasons. They are not the first, and they won't be the last. It's time for FAM and MFL to admit their failure. "The privatisation of the M-League has failed. The move from FA to FC has not worked. "Previously, FAs received state government and government-linked funding. Now, under the FC system, clubs are privately owned, and when funds run out, the clubs close down." Zulakbal said accepting failure is the first step towards fixing the M-League and urged FAM and MFL to act swiftly before the situation worsens. "There's no harm in admitting mistakes. FAM and MFL must sit down, study the situation, and work on real solutions instead of carrying on as they are."
