Latest news with #AmateurFootballLeague
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Prize money doubled but pro clubs crowd A1 Semi-Pro League
KUALA LUMPUR: The A1 Semi-Pro League is set for a revamp next season, with prize money doubled from RM100,000 to RM200,000, but eyebrows are being raised over the influx of full-fledged professional teams. Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the financial boost is aimed at lifting the standard and intensity of the competition. "We've increased the prize money to RM200,000 for the new season. It's a 100 per cent jump. While it may not sound like much, it's a move to inject more excitement and competitiveness," said Yusoff, who is also FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president. However, the make-up of the 16 confirmed teams has triggered concerns, with several professional outfits and feeder squads included, raising questions about the league's semi-pro status. Among the teams are top-tier reserve sides JDT II and Selangor II, as well as Immigration II, Kelantan WTS, Armed Forces, Malaysian University, Manjung City, Bunga Raya, Perlis GSA, UM-Damansara United, Machan, and South Korean amateur outfit FC Seoul Phoenix. Also entering are former Super League sides Kedah Darul Aman and Perak, both of whom failed to obtain national licences. Their inclusion brings top-flight experience but adds to the growing imbalance. Under AFL rules, teams must have at least 10 contracted players to qualify as semi-pro. But Yusoff admitted many clubs are fielding fully professional squads. "Although the minimum is 10 contracted players, several teams have gone full professional. It's almost a pro league now, just under a semi-pro label," he said. The shift has led to concerns that the league — meant as a bridge between amateur and professional levels — is being skewed in favour of clubs with superior infrastructure, threatening its development-focused purpose.
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."
