Malaysian Football League (MFL) has officially unveiled a sweeping series of reforms aimed at transforming the domestic football landscape ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Chief among them is the full implementation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, including a landmark salary cap — a move designed to ensure long-term financial sustainability and elevate the professional standards of Malaysian football.
Under the new FFP rules, clubs are restricted to allocating no more than 80% of their annual budget on player and staff wages, a measure intended to stabilize cash flows and ensure consistent salary payments across the league.
“This is not just financial reform; it’s a structural shift to protect clubs, players, and the credibility of our competitions,” said an MFL spokesperson.
The framework requires clubs to submit:
- Two pre-season submissions (Budget Declaration and Pre-Season Submission)
- Five in-season financial audits
- Supporting documents, including interim financial statements, income-expenditure reports, and confirmation of no outstanding payments
Non-compliance will be met with disciplinary actions under the 2025/26 MFL FFP Regulations.
To support the transition, MFL has introduced a new Administrative System for all clubs, with mandatory training scheduled for 28 May 2025. This follows an earlier online workshop held on 5 March 2025, aimed at preparing stakeholders for the shift.
The domestic football calendar is now officially synchronized with international schedules:
- League Kick-off: Early August 2025, with the Sumbangsih Cup clash between JDT and Selangor FC
- Transfer Window 1: 9 June – 31 August 2025
- Transfer Window 2: 5 January – 1 February 2026
- FA Cup Launch: August 2025
- Malaysia Cup & MFL Challenge Cup: From January 2026
Final match schedules will be released once the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), ACL2, and AFF Club Championship fixtures are finalized.
Following the recent 13th Board of Directors Meeting, MFL ratified several impactful regulatory changes:
Player Registration Limits
- ACLE/ACL2 Clubs: Squad size remains at 34 players
- All Other Clubs: Squad reduced to 30 players (previously 32)
Foreign Player Quota
- Clubs may register up to 15 foreign players
- Matchday usage: Up to 9 on-field (7 unrestricted + 1 Asian + 1 ASEAN)
- Clubs are not obligated to fill the full quota, with financial prudence and FFP compliance as guiding principles
The move is expected to enhance the league’s competitiveness by attracting top-tier international talent, further strengthened by the alignment of Malaysia’s transfer windows with global markets.
The Board also confirmed the participation of Malaysian clubs in major AFC and AFF tournaments:
- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT): Will represent Malaysia in both the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and AFF Club Championship as Super League and FA Cup champions
- Selangor FC: Secures slots in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) and AFF Club Championship as Super League runners-up
These slots are vital for Malaysia’s AFC Club Ranking and offer a critical platform for local players to gain continental exposure — a key step toward qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
With the return of DPMM FC to the Super League and the implementation of rigorous financial oversight, the MFL is signaling its intent to build a modern, competitive, and accountable football ecosystem. These changes reflect a decisive pivot toward professionalism — setting the stage for a more resilient and globally connected domestic league.
“This is the beginning of a bold new chapter,” said MFL’s CEO. “We are investing in the future of Malaysian football — one rooted in integrity, excellence, and sustainability.”
Credit Photo : MFL
