Latest news with #A1League
New Straits Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
A1 League ready to step up
KUALA LUMPUR: Many feared that when the second-tier Premier League was scrapped three years ago, it would further erode Malaysian football development. That may not be the case. The signs so far are looking positive for the revamped domestic league structure. The 16-team A1 Semi Pro League for the 2025-2026 season will feature South Korea's FC Seoul Phoenix, Kedah FC, Johor Darul Ta'zim II, Selangor FC II, Kelantan WTS FC, Perak FA, Kedah FA and Kelantan Red Warriors. The Premier League was replaced by the A1 Semi-Pro League (which moved up from the third-tier) in 2022. Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said while it is encouraging to see a healthy number of teams in the A1 Semi Pro League, strong enforcement and monitoring is needed. "The number of teams in the A1 Semi Pro League shows that it can be as exciting as the Super League, especially for the teams that failed to get a licence to play in the Super League," said Pekan. "If things go well in the A1 League, it can play a positive role in the Malaysian football structure in the absence of a second-tier competition after the cancellation of the Premier League. "Fans of the teams that are not playing in the Super League, can now support their teams in the A1 League and this can continue being a platform for the players as well." Pekan said although the A1 League is a semi-pro competition, proper monitoring is still needed to prevent issues of unpaid salaries. Last season, several teams were reportedly facing financial problems which resulted in poor performances in the A1 Semi-Pro League. "The AFL has its own licensing process which is less stringent compared to Super League licensing, so I believe it won't be too difficult for the teams," said Pekan. "Last season, we saw some teams starting well but ended up badly after facing financial issues. We cannot let this happen again this season, the monitoring of the team's finances must be strict and issues must be nipped in the bud."
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
PAFA plan to join A1 League next season
IPOH: The Perak Football Association (PAFA) are planning to compete in the A1 League organised by the Malaysia Amateur Football League (AFL) next season, taking a proactive step to ensure the state's proud football legacy lives on and grows. PAFA, in a statement posted on the official Perak FA Facebook page, said its main focus at present is to build a team around the Perak Malaysia Games (SUKMA) squad, which will form the backbone of The Bos Gaurus' domestic revival. 'Planning is actively under way to enter the AFL‑organised League as a starting point, while also making long‑term preparations for SUKMA 2026, the 2026 President's Cup and the 2026 Youth Cup. 'We greatly appreciate the strong support of the state government led by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who has always been attentive and committed to helping PAFA drive football development in the state,' the statement said. On 22 May, AFL chairman Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi welcomed the participation of Perak and Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) in the A1 League after both clubs failed to secure the National Licence, ending the 2018 Malaysia Cup champions' (Perak FC's) hopes of playing in next season's Super League. The two teams' failure to meet the financial criteria laid out in the Malaysian Football League Club Licensing Regulations 2024‑2025 (MFL CLR) was the main reason their national licences were rejected. PAFA said its president, Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin, has already held a series of strategic meetings with senior football leaders, including Mohd Yusoff, to discuss direction, eligibility and entry requirements for the Amateur League, President's Cup, Youth Cup, A1 League, and future national‑licence applications. As the state's governing body for football, PAFA acknowledged fans' disappointment but called for everyone to unite, rebuild and sow fresh hope. 'We do not promise miracles, but we promise extraordinary resolve and determination, a fighting spirit that never knows defeat. Stay with us — for the crest, for honour, for Perak Darul Ridzuan,' the statement said. PAFA noted that the 'PAFA 2.0' resurgence is no coincidence but a carefully structured recovery mission outlined in the PAFA Strategic Plan 2035. Mohd Azhar took over the association on 8 Feb 2024 and inherited RM5 million in debt from the previous management. 'Nevertheless, today's PAFA chooses not to point fingers. Instead, we choose to move forward with new strategies, plans and direction,' the statement added.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
PAFA Plan to Join A1 League Next Season
IPOH, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Perak Football Association (PAFA) are planning to compete in the A1 League organised by the Malaysia Amateur Football League (AFL) next season, taking a proactive step to ensure the state's proud football legacy lives on and grows. PAFA, in a statement posted on the official Perak FA Facebook page, said its main focus at present is to build a team around the Perak Malaysia Games (SUKMA) squad, which will form the backbone of The Bos Gaurus' domestic revival. 'Planning is actively under way to enter the AFL‑organised League as a starting point, while also making long‑term preparations for SUKMA 2026, the 2026 President's Cup and the 2026 Youth Cup. bootstrap slideshow 'We greatly appreciate the strong support of the state government led by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who has always been attentive and committed to helping PAFA drive football development in the state,' the statement said. On 22 May, AFL chairman Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi welcomed the participation of Perak and Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) in the A1 League after both clubs failed to secure the National Licence, ending the 2018 Malaysia Cup champions' (Perak FC's) hopes of playing in next season's Super League. The two teams' failure to meet the financial criteria laid out in the Malaysian Football League Club Licensing Regulations 2024‑2025 (MFL CLR) was the main reason their national licences were rejected. PAFA said its president, Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin, has already held a series of strategic meetings with senior football leaders, including Mohd Yusoff, to discuss direction, eligibility and entry requirements for the Amateur League, President's Cup, Youth Cup, A1 League, and future national‑licence applications. As the state's governing body for football, PAFA acknowledged fans' disappointment but called for everyone to unite, rebuild and sow fresh hope. 'We do not promise miracles, but we promise extraordinary resolve and determination, a fighting spirit that never knows defeat. Stay with us — for the crest, for honour, for Perak Darul Ridzuan,' the statement said.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak, Kedah thrown A1 League lifeline after Super League exit
KUALA LUMPUR: The Amateur Football League (AFL) A1 League could offer Perak and Kedah Darul Aman a lifeline to remain in Malaysian football. Their time in the top-flight Super League has come to an end after they failed to obtain a national licence for the 2025–2026 season, due to financial difficulties. AFL chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said they are "open" to welcoming the two teams, adding that the A1 League can provide a crucial opportunity for revival and redemption. "We don't want teams to just vanish when they fall. The A1 League is a platform for Kedah and Perak to survive and keep fighting," said Yusoff, who is also the FAM deputy president. Malaysian football was recently rocked by the downfall of former champions Kedah and Perak, who are grappling with financial woes and unpaid wages. Yusoff said the AFL is willing to extend the A1 League registration deadline to accommodate the two sides. "Teams like these need space to regroup, rebuild and gradually regain strength. Our hope is that one day, they'll return to the top league," he said. "The deadline for submission to the A1 League has passed. But since the Malaysian Football League (MFL) just announced this decision, we need to give these teams some time to make the best decision for their squads. "At AFL, we always provide opportunities and welcome teams to continue competing. "This way, the welfare of players and staff is protected. Just imagine if they had nowhere to play — these players would have no platform left to compete."
