Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that the Piala MFL will no longer be contested in the 2025/26 season following a unanimous decision by League Partners to abolish the U23 competition.
The decision was finalized during a meeting on February 19, 2025, involving representatives from all 13 Super League clubs, with financial sustainability cited as a key factor behind the move.
The MFL Cup, introduced in 2023 with support from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), was initially designed to develop young players while meeting club licensing requirements. However, after two seasons, the rising financial burden on clubs—estimated at RM28 million for player salaries and logistical operations—led to calls for its discontinuation.
“Taking into account the views of all League Partners, we believe that abolishing the MFL Cup is a necessary step to strengthen and stabilize the financial position of clubs,” an official MFL statement read.
Additionally, the MFL highlighted that players aged 20 to 23 should be actively competing for a place in first-team squads, rather than in age-restricted competitions.
Despite the end of the MFL Cup, youth development remains a priority. The President’s Cup (U-20) and Youth Cup (U-18)—both organized by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)—will continue to provide young talents with competitive opportunities.
With no designated U-23 league moving forward, the MFL has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Super League, ensuring a more competitive and financially stable football ecosystem in Malaysia.
Credit Photo : MFL
