The First Instance Body (FIB), an independent committee under the Malaysian Football League (MFL), has officially announced that 11 Malaysia Super League clubs and 2 AFL A1 teams have successfully obtained the National Club License for the 2025–2026 season.
The decision follows a licensing meeting held on May 13, 2025, chaired by Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif, with final deliberations completed today, May 22, after a thorough review of all submitted documentation.
To qualify for the National License, clubs were assessed across six key criteria as set out in the 2024–2025 edition of the MFL Club Licensing Regulations (MFL CLR):
The licenses granted are valid for one season only, specifically the 2025–2026 Malaysia Super League campaign. In line with financial sub-criteria F.03 and F.04 of the MFL CLR, all clubs were required to declare financial arrears by December 31, 2024.
Clubs Awarded Full National Licenses (Liga Super):
- Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT)
- Selangor FC
- Penang FC
- Kuching City FC
- Sabah FC
- Terengganu FC
- Sri Pahang FC
- Negeri Sembilan FC
Clubs Granted National Licenses (with Sanctions)
- Kuala Lumpur City
- Kelantan Darul Naim
- PDRM FC
These three clubs were granted licenses conditionally under Article 8(l) of the MFL CLR, and are required to submit additional financial documentation by May 31, 2025 to maintain their licensing status. Failure to comply by the deadline may result in revocation of their licenses.
Clubs Denied National Licenses:
- Kedah Darul Aman FC
- Perak FC
Both clubs failed to meet the financial criteria set forth in the MFL CLR and are thus ineligible to compete in the 2025–2026 Super League season unless appeals or exceptional measures are undertaken.
AFL A1 Teams Granted Licenses (Via Extraordinary Application – Article 15):
- Melaka FC
- Imigresen FC
These two teams, currently competing in the AFL A1 division, were granted National Licenses following the approval of their Extraordinary Licensing Application, which allows them to potentially compete in the Super League next season should they qualify.
FIB Chairman Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif commended the clubs that have met the licensing standards:
“Congratulations to all the clubs that have successfully obtained the National License. We appreciate their professionalism and commitment to meeting the licensing requirements. It is a reflection of their hard work and dedication to developing football in Malaysia.”
This decision by FIB marks a crucial step in elevating the professional standards of Malaysian football, with emphasis placed on financial responsibility, infrastructure development, and good governance.
Credit Photo : KDA FC
