Amateur Football League (AFL) is set to kick off the new season of Semi-Pro and Amateur football in Malaysia, with preparations currently underway to finalize participating teams — especially for the A1 Semi-Pro League, scheduled to begin mid-July.
Priority is currently being given to existing A1 teams and those promoted from last season’s A2 League. However, AFL has expressed concern over several teams facing salary arrears, raising questions about their financial viability for the upcoming campaign.
To ensure a competitive and stable league, AFL is also evaluating applications from new teams, particularly those with stronger financial footing. This includes clubs previously active within the Malaysian football pyramid, such as the MFL Cup, A2, and A3 Leagues. Promising new entries from outside this traditional structure are also being considered, provided they meet AFL’s entry standards.
“AFL’s ambition is to establish a high-quality Division 2 League to fill the void left by the discontinuation of the Premier League and MFL Cup,”
said AFL Chairman Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, following the 2025-2026 season preparation briefing at Wisma FAM.
He added that the AFL is currently in the screening phase, aiming to identify 14 top teams with the potential and readiness to be promoted to the Malaysia Super League in the 2026-2027 season.
In a surprising turn, Datuk Wira Yusoff revealed that the AFL has received foreign applications, including one from South Korea.
“We did not expect interest from overseas semi-pro and amateur teams.
One application came from South Korea. We’re currently reviewing the possibility. If approved, the team must be based in Malaysia to compete.”
This marks a new chapter for Malaysian grassroots football, with AFL striving to raise the standard and credibility of the semi-pro structure, potentially opening doors to greater regional engagement.
Credit Photo : AFL
