
DPMM FC to foot travel bill for Super League teams heading to Brunei
MFL acting chief executive officer Shazli Shaik said the sponsorship arrangement forms part of a key agreement between MFL and DPMM to ensure the smooth participation of the Brunei-based club in the M-League.
Under the agreement, DPMM will cover all travel and accommodation expenses.
The move mirrors the support the club previously extended to teams in Singapore's S-League.
"One of the most important matters in our agreement with DPMM is this sponsorship," said Shazli after the launch of the official match ball for the 2025-2026 season on Saturday.
"DPMM requested that it be implemented for the upcoming season, and they've confirmed Brunei will bear the cost."
Shazli clarified that although DPMM will compete in the M-League, the club are not eligible to represent Malaysia in international club competitions -
Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) and Asean Club Championship (ACC).
"If Brunei qualify, they will not represent Malaysia as a national slot holder," he said.
At the event, MFL unveiled the official ball for the new season - the PUMA Orbita MFL 1.
Shazli also announced that 12 teams have confirmed their home venues, with Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan identified as an alternative site should any team face last-minute issues.
He revealed that Immigration FC have been given until Monday to confirm their venue, while MFL will travel to Brunei on July 10-11 for a special briefing with DPMM .
"Our East Coast zone is settled. The Darulmakmur Stadium will serve as a backup venue if necessary," he said.
The 13 teams who will play in the M-League next season are Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan Darul Naim,
KL City, Police, DPMM, Melaka and Immigration.
Hashtags

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


New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Red Giants battle Asia Warriors to stalemate
PETALING JAYA: Selangor drew 0-0 against the Asia Warriors, led by Japanese legend, Keisuke Honda, in a friendly match at MBPJ Stadium today. The match also served as the unveiling of Selangor's 2025-2026 M-League squad. Among the fresh faces in the Red Giants' lineup were Willian Lira, Moses Raj, Picha Autra, Chrigor Moraes and Zach Clough. In the ninth minute, Selangor captain Faisal Halim nearly created a goal with a pinpoint cross to Lira who forced a save from Asia Warriors' veteran goalkeeper Made Wirawan. The 44-year-old Wirawan suffered a knee injury in the 12th minute, and was replaced by Yoo Jaehoon. Selangor's best chance came in the 55th minute when Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar, who replaced Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar at halftime, spun and unleashed a low shot, only to be denied by Yoo. Asia Warriors suffered another blow late in the game when Daisuke Sato was stretchered off in the 78th minute.


The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Confusion over Kelantan team's rebranding draws FIFA's attention
PETALING JAYA: The rebranding confusion involving several Kelantan football teams has attracted the attention of the world football governing body FIFA. It had issued a show-cause letter to Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW), who were set to compete in the Semi-Pro League A1. The letter requests clarification about KRW's identity and how it differs from earlier Kelantan-based teams, especially Kelantan FC, which was previously owned by entrepreneur Norizman Tukiman and still has unresolved debts. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary Datuk Noor Azman Rahman confirmed on Sunday (July 27) that they had received a letter from FIFA and handed it over to KRW on Friday. "Yes, we received a letter from FIFA regarding Kelantan KRW and have forwarded it to them for further action. "I can't disclose further details, but the issue is not related to player claims. It is linked to a previous club, Kelantan FC. "FIFA have identified certain concerns, which may be connected to the former team," said Azman. The deadline for KRW to respond to FIFA's letter was on Monday (July 28). KRW was established in December last year by Nik Hafiz Naim Nik Hassan, who was previously a co-owner of Kelantan FC alongside Zamsaham. It was understood that the similarity in logo, team identity and even jersey design between KRW and the defunct Kelantan FC was among the reasons FIFA requested clarification. Kelantan FC were effectively dissolved last year after being relegated from the 2023 Super League. The team were also barred from competing in last season's A1 Semi-Pro League due to heavy debts. Former team president Tan Sri Annuar Musa later revived Kelantan's presence in the Super League by introducing a new identity under the name Kelantan The Real Warriors.


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Kinoshi won't reveal much to inquisitive Honda
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan football legend and co-founder of Asia Warriors FC, Keisuke Honda, thought he could get some info from his countryman, Selangor head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi, ahead of tomorrow's match at the MBPJ Stadium. But Kinoshi remained tight lipped, as Honda jokingly tried to persuade reporters to ask Kinoshi about his plans during a pre-match press conference at the Selangor FC training centre today. Selangor will use their friendly match against Asia Warriors as part of their preparations for the 2025-2026 M-League. "I asked Kinoshi to share information, but he didn't want to share, so it means that he is gunning for a win against us. "It's going to be a challenging game. I'm looking forward to playing against Selangor," said Honda. Honda said Asia Warriors aim to beat Selangor 1-0, but should the hosts score, they will have to double the score. "I think it's not easy for us to score two goals against Selangor, but that's our game plan, we don't hide any tactics." Kinoshi said that his Selangor team have had a good preseason and, without giving too much away about his squad, said that the Red Giants will have another friendly match after playing the Asia Warriors. Selangor star Faisal Halim, who also joined the pre-match press conference, said: "This is the year I will bounce back and regain my form. This is the time for me to come out with the Faisal Halim (everyone grew to know and love)."