PDRM FC and Kelantan The Real Warriors FC have come under the spotlight after both clubs were fined by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) Financial Fair Play (FFP) First Instance Body (FIB) following the latest financial compliance review for the 2025/26 season.
The two clubs emerged as the most notable cases in the fifth and final in-season FFP assessment after being found to have outstanding salary payments to employees, unpaid obligations to government agencies, and incomplete documentation submissions.
As a result, both clubs have been handed fines of RM10,000 each for violating Article 11 of the MFL Financial Fair Play Regulations 2025-26.
According to the findings released by the FIB, both PDRM FC and Kelantan The Real Warriors FC continue to face financial challenges as of April 2026.
The review found that the clubs have: Outstanding salary payments to employees, Outstanding payments owed to relevant government agencies, Failure to submit complete documentation required for the Fifth In-Season FFP Submission.
The combination of unpaid obligations and administrative non-compliance prompted disciplinary action from the league’s financial regulators.
Both clubs have now been given a 14-day deadline to complete all outstanding submissions and provide evidence that steps are being taken to address their financial commitments.
The clubs must either: Submit proof that outstanding payments have been settled, or Present a formal repayment and settlement plan acceptable to the FIB.
Failure to comply could expose both clubs to further scrutiny and potential sanctions under MFL regulations.
The latest decision reflects the MFL’s continued commitment to improving financial discipline across Malaysian football.
In recent years, the league has intensified its monitoring of club finances through the Financial Fair Play framework, aiming to protect players, staff, and stakeholders from the consequences of unpaid wages and unsustainable spending.
The FIB stressed that financial governance remains a critical pillar in the professionalisation of Malaysian football, with clubs expected to maintain transparency and meet all reporting obligations throughout the season.
The review highlighted six clubs that successfully met all MFL FFP requirements without any outstanding salary payments or debts owed to government agencies.
The fully compliant clubs are: Johor Darul Ta’zim, Selangor FC, Penang FC, Kuching City, DPMM FC, Imigresen FC
Their compliance reflects strong financial governance and responsible management practices, positioning them favorably ahead of the new season.
While Sabah FC, Melaka FC, Negeri Sembilan FC, and Terengganu FC were found to have fulfilled their salary obligations to employees, the clubs still carry outstanding payments to relevant government agencies.
As a result, official reminders will be issued to all four clubs, requiring them to settle their outstanding obligations within the stipulated timeframe.
Although the situation is not yet considered critical, the FIB stressed the importance of resolving these liabilities promptly to maintain compliance with league regulations.
Particular attention has been directed toward Kuala Lumpur City FC, which was found to have both employee salary arrears and outstanding payments to government agencies.
The club will now be placed under closer financial monitoring by the FIB and MFL.
Kuala Lumpur City FC has been granted 14 days to submit either proof of payment or a formal settlement plan addressing all outstanding obligations recorded up to April 2026.
The move reflects MFL’s continued efforts to ensure clubs remain financially sustainable while protecting the welfare of players, staff, and stakeholders.
The FIB also clarified an important distinction between Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations.
While club licensing assessments for the 2026-27 season considered outstanding payments up to December 31, 2025, the fifth in-season FFP review examined financial obligations up to April 30, 2026.
As a result, compliance with one framework does not automatically guarantee compliance with the other.
All clubs are required to independently satisfy both Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play requirements.
With the final in-season review now completed, Malaysian clubs will enter the next phase of financial regulation by submitting their budgets for the 2026-27 season alongside financial declarations covering the period up to June 2026.
The latest report underlines MFL’s determination to strengthen financial governance throughout Malaysian football, particularly as clubs continue to navigate increasing operational costs and growing professional expectations.
Credit Photo : TRW
