Malaysian Football League (MFL) has announced a significant revision to the foreign player policy for the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 season, reducing the number of foreign players allowed on the field from seven to six.
The decision was made during the 14th Board of Directors Meeting (2021–2025 term), following a comprehensive reassessment of the policy’s impact on Malaysian football and the development of local talent.
In an official statement released today, the MFL clarified that the new regulation will see clubs permitted to field 6 foreign players (with 3 substitutes) under the composition of 4 World + 1 Asian + 1 ASEAN players. This marks a change from the previous 7+2 format, which allowed 4 World + 1 Asian + 2 ASEAN players.
According to the MFL, the reduction is aimed at creating a better balance between local and foreign players in the starting eleven, ensuring more opportunities for Malaysian talent on matchdays.
“The presence of foreign players enhances the competitiveness and appeal of the Malaysian League,” the MFL noted. “However, the development of local players remains a top priority, especially in assisting the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in strengthening the Malaysia national team.”
Interestingly, the MFL also revealed that feedback from clubs played a role in the decision. Several clubs indicated that the inclusion of more ASEAN players in previous seasons had minimal impact on team performance.
Despite the reduction on the field, the total number of foreign players that a club can register remains at 15. However, clubs are not required to fill the quota, and may adjust based on needs and financial capabilities.
This update comes alongside the continued enforcement of Financial Fair Play (FFP) in the Malaysian League. For the 2025–26 season, clubs will be subjected to a salary cap mechanism, limiting wages to 80% of their overall expenditure, in a move to ensure sustainability and responsible financial management.
Credit Photo : Simon Yap/SNE-Photo
