
'If you don't have the experience, don't pretend to know'
KUALA LUMPUR: While pretty much of the world have finalised their domestic league fixtures months in advance, Malaysia is, once again, struggling to come out with its M-League calendar.
And the organiser, Malaysian Football League (MFL), has been slameed for lack of professionalism and poor planning.
Football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the "uncertainty" reflects poor governance by the powers-that-be.
"We already know how many teams are competing. We should be able to release the fixtures. Once they are out early, people can plan properly," he said.
"Last year, there were too many last-minute changes. Some teams had already made travel arrangements, then the schedule changed. That's not professional.
"You ask clubs to be professional, but you can't even plan fixtures properly. What kind of example is that?
"If you don't have the experience, don't pretend to know. Go study how the Premier League or J-League do it.
"It's a professional league. Don't run it like amateurs," said Pekan.
Meanwhile, MFL chief executive officer Shazli Shaik said they are in the final stages of preparation and awaiting further details from the Asean Football Federation (Johor Darul Ta'zim and Selangor will compete in the Asean Club Championship).
The Super League is expected to kick off on Aug 8.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
It will be a race for second place
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: James Wong Text Size: I personally doubt it and hopefully they can prove me wrong. THE 2025-2026 Super League football season is scheduled to commence in August starting with the charity shield between JDT (Johor Darul Ta'zim) FC and Selangor FC on August 8. There are going to be only 13 teams taking part in the new season as Sri Pahang and Kedah Darul Aman opted out and will not be on the list. However, we do have Brunei making an entry to the league. I am just wondering if the teams in the new season will bring some excitement to the fans or will it be the same old routine just like every other year where JDT FC will be dominating the competition. By the look of it, I do not think other teams will pose a threat at all. Basically, the rest will only fight for the second and third positions to give them a chance to compete at the Asian level. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
New boys Saiful and Baqiuddin face stiff test to make Turtles first XI
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu have bolstered their squad ahead of the Super League campaign by snapping up Pahang's Saiful Jamaluddin and Baqiuddin Shamsuddin but it will not be plain sailing for them. Both Saiful and Baqiuddin, who had been without a team following Pahang's decision to pull out from the new season, can expect keen internal rivalry to make the first 11 with the Turtles. The 23-year-old Saiful is set for stiff competition with seasoned campaigner Akram Mahinan for a spot in the defensive midfield. Saiful, known for his work rate, is unfazed by the challenge. 'Akram is a vastly experienced player and he is my senior, but I look forward to a healthy rivalry,' said Saiful. Eager for action: Saiful Jamaluddin posing for a photograph after signing for Terengganu. — Terengganu FC 'I'm happy to be with Terengganu as they're one of the best sides in the league. They have strong players and great facilities.' Saiful added that it was the right move for him as he would have familiar faces in the dressing room such as his Malaysian Under-23 teammates – defenders Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili, Safwan Mazlan and Azam Azmi Murad and former teammate Asnan Ahmad. Meanwhile, the experienced winger Baqiuddin, 30, brings depth and versatility to Terengganu's attacking options on the flanks. A proven performer in the Super League, Baqiuddin is under no illusions about the competition he faces. 'It would be a fierce competition because there isn't just Akhyar Rashid. I've to take on Syahmi Zamri, Nik Shareef Haseefy, and Engku Shakir Nur Yakob,' said Baqiuddin. 'But that's what excites me. I'm happy to continue with this professional journey in a great club like Terengganu. 'This is my first time under coach Badrul (Afzan Razali), so I have to work hard to adapt to his ways and show that I can compete against the other wingers in the team.' With these two additions, Terengganu have signalled their intent to remain highly competitive in the league while continuing to blend youthful talent with seasoned professionals. As for foreign players, it is learnt that the club could be signing attackers from Cameroon and France and a centreback from Brazil. They have also been linked with former Perak playmaker Careca, who is now with South Korean Division Three club Gangneung. The 29-year-old Careca played for Perak, from 2018 to 2020, and scored 11 goals in 30 games. Terengganu have released all their foreigners except for Uzbekistan midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov, who has penned a one-year extension with the Turtles.


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Pahang hit pause button to plot stronger M-League comeback
PETALING JAYA: Pahang do not see their withdrawal from the new Super League season as an end to their football journey. Instead, the club described their difficult decision as a 'strategic pause' aimed at strengthening the team's internal structure and laying the foundation for long-term sustainability before making a comeback. In a statement released on Thursday night, Pahang emphasised that the move was a necessary step to secure the future of the club, who have long been a cornerstone of Malaysian football. 'This is not a goodbye, but a necessary pause,' the statement read. 'We believe that taking a step back now will allow us to take stronger steps forward. 'We hope to return better equipped to contribute to the growth of football in the state of Pahang.' The club's management cited the need for time to rebuild and improve internal operations, administrative efficiency, and overall development strategies to meet the demands of modern footballing era. Pahang also took the opportunity to thank all stakeholders, including league organisers, sponsors, authorities, and especially their dedicated supporters. 'We thank all parties who have stood by us. Your unwavering support means the world, and we hope to see you again in the seasons to come.' Pahang's exit follows similar moves by Kedah and Perak, both of which pulled out of the Malaysian League due to ongoing financial struggles, including unresolved salary arrears. With Pahang's withdrawal, the 2025–2026 season will now feature 13 confirmed teams – Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Police, Brunei and two promoted clubs from A1 Semi-Pro League, Melaka and Immigration.