Malaysian Football League (MFL) today revealed amendments to the Malaysian League Manual for the 2024-2025 season, allowing clubs to register a maximum of 12 foreign players. This change was approved by the MFL Board of Directors (BOD) following agreement from the majority of league partners.
Despite the expanded quota, the additional two foreign players will only be eligible to participate in the MFL Cup competition, ensuring that opportunities for local players in the domestic league remain unaffected. The number of foreign players allowed in the Team List for the Malaysian League remains unchanged.
The amendment was initiated by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and submitted under Article 3 of the Malaysian League Manual. With backing from MFL stakeholders, the rule change applies specifically to Super League clubs that qualify for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) competitions. The clubs affected—Johor Darul Ta’zim, Selangor FC, Terengganu FC, and Kuala Lumpur City FC—can now register up to 12 foreign players, compared to the previous cap of 10.
This move aims to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian clubs participating in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2), and AFF Club Championship 2024-2025, following the AFC’s decision to allow unlimited foreign player registrations for its club competitions.
However, for domestic competitions like the Super League, Malaysia Cup, and MFL Challenge Cup, the current foreign player registration rule remains unchanged at 7 players (6 foreign + 1 from the AFC region).
Regarding player movement between the Super League and the MFL Cup, the regulation of registering five local players over the age of 23 and a maximum of three foreign players (with two allowed to play on the field) will remain in place. This measure aims to protect opportunities for U-23 local players competing in the MFL Cup.
Clubs not participating in AFC or AFF tournaments will continue to operate under the existing rule, which permits the registration of up to 9 foreign players.
The MFL hopes that these amendments will enable Malaysian clubs competing at the international level to strengthen their squads, gain valuable points in the AFC club rankings, and secure slots for Malaysian teams in future seasons.
Credit Photo : Jayden Seah/SNE-Photo
