Latest news with #MFL
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
MFL Cup to remain on hold despite growing calls for its return
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have confirmed that the MFL Cup will remain on hold for the upcoming season despite growing calls for the return of the competition as a development platform for young talent. The alarm comes in the wake of Malaysia's early exit from the AFF Under-23 Championship in Indonesia, which reignited concerns over the lack of competitive minutes available for youth players in the Super League - especially with the influx of senior and foreign players. However, MFL interim chief executive officer Shazly Shaik ( pic ) said the suspension of the MFL Cup was a calculated move to push clubs to integrate young players directly into the senior set-up. 'For the time being, there are no plans to bring back the MFL Cup,' said Shazly. 'We shut down the tournament to ensure these young players are given opportunities in the Super League, where the level of competition will accelerate their growth. 'Previously, we were among the leagues with the oldest average age, partly because youth players were restricted to age-group competitions. ''This change gives us a clearer picture of who's ready to step up.' Player registrations for the 2024-2025 season are still ongoing for several clubs, and Shazly said the MFL will monitor how teams utilise their youth talent before determining if any new development initiatives are needed later in the season. Another key update from the MFL is the continued roll-out of Remote VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology, especially in Borneo. Instead of setting up multiple facilities, a centralised data centre in Kuala Lumpur will handle all VAR operations, including those for matches hosted by teams in East Malaysia. A team of broadcast and VAR specialists will travel to Brunei from Aug 1- 3 to assess signal strength and readiness. Brunei is participating in the Super League this season as a guest team, alongside Sabah and Kuching City, who finished third and fourth respectively last year. Financial concerns remain a hot topic, particularly with Kelantan, who have made headlines over unsettled dues. Shazly confirmed that the MFL are in regular communication with the club's management, but no formal report has been received yet.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Three super league teams must propose alternative venues for Ramadan matches
THREE Super League teams—Kelantan Darul Naim (KDN) FC, DPMM FC, and Imigresen FC—have been instructed to propose alternative venues for their home matches during Ramadan. The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has set a deadline of August 15 for submissions. Acting MFL CEO Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd explained that the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium (KDN FC) and Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium (DPMM FC) are unavailable during Ramadan. Meanwhile, Imigresen FC's Batu Kawan State Stadium lacks night-match suitability. 'We have informed these three teams to name alternative venues so that we can schedule matches for the month of Ramadan,' said Mohd Shazli after the MFL and Genius Sports partnership announcement at Wisma FAM. He discouraged scheduling away matches for these teams, stressing the importance of maintaining home-and-away fixtures. 'There is a possibility, but we do not encourage it because we need to maintain the home and away rules.' - Bernama
Sinar Daily
20-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Grab Malaysia crowns Langgor FC as champions at Piala Rakan Grab national finals
First launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Malaysian Football League (MFL), the tournament spanned 11 cities and engaged over 1,200 Grab partners and their families. The finals, held in Kuala Lumpur, saw Langgor FC from Perak emerge victorious, capping off a spirited nationwide football and community initiative. SHAH ALAM - Grab Malaysia wrapped up the national finals of the Piala Rakan Grab tournament as part of the Festival Rakan Grab, celebrating its driver and delivery-partners from across the country. The finals, held in Kuala Lumpur, saw Langgor FC from Perak emerge victorious, capping off a spirited nationwide football and community initiative. First launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Malaysian Football League (MFL), the tournament spanned 11 cities and engaged over 1,200 Grab partners and their families. First launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Malaysian Football League (MFL), the tournament spanned 11 cities and engaged over 1,200 Grab partners and their families. State-level champions from Selangor, Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perak, Penang, Sarawak and Sabah were flown in for the final showdown, providing them with a rare opportunity to compete on a national stage. Participants also had the chance to meet and interact with their football heroes, strengthening bonds through their shared passion for the sport. Running alongside the finals was Festival Rakan Grab, a community-centric event aimed at enhancing partner engagement through on-ground activities and exhibitions by GrabBenefits partners. Running alongside the finals was Festival Rakan Grab, a community-centric event aimed at enhancing partner engagement through on-ground activities and exhibitions by GrabBenefits partners. Grab Malaysia Managing Director Adelene Foo said the programme highlight the company's ongoing commitment to support, engage and celebrate its partners through meaningful community events that promote unity and shared passion. "The Piala Rakan Grab National Finals and Festival Rakan Grab are part of our continuous efforts to support and recognise our partner community. "Events like these are a meaningful way for us to engage with our partners beyond the everyday, promoting unity, teamwork and shared passion through football. Grab Malaysia Managing Director Adelene Foo "It also reinforces our ongoing commitment to support our partners in ways that matter to them and their families,' she said in a statement. Earlier this year, Grab Malaysia expanded the GrabBenefits programme from three to five pillars namely Insurance, Takaful and Social Protection, Daily Deals, Academy, Gig Financial Solutions and Community, with over RM10 million invested to provide comprehensive support for its partners. Participants also had the chance to meet and interact with their football heroes, strengthening bonds through their shared passion for the sport. A highlight of the event was the Everyday Heroes Awards, which recognised outstanding partners who made significant contributions throughout 2024. Awards were presented in categories such as best service, most rides or deliveries and longest-serving partner. Through initiatives like these, Grab Malaysia continues to reinforce its dedication to building a supportive and empowered community, creating opportunities for connection, celebration and collective growth. More Like This
The Star
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cklamovski offers solid defence against criticism over pullout from Nations Cup
PETALING JAYA: National coach Peter Cklamovski has defended Malaysia's decision to withdraw from the CAFA Nations Cup, calling it a calculated move made in the best interests of the national team. And he assured fans that the Harimau Malaya will play friendlies in September, which would contribute points to their FIFA ranking. However, the decision to pull out has sparked criticism among some fans and stakeholders, with questions raised about Malaysia's ambition. But Cklamovski insists the decision was neither rash nor a sign of weakness. 'I understand the disappointment from some quarters of Malaysian football. But this decision was made based on what's best for the national team,' said the Australian. 'As we assessed the logistics and overall planning, it became increasingly clear that participation wasn't feasible at this time. And we factored in every player, whether locally or abroad.' The tournament, hosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, was seen as a valuable test against higher-ranked opponents. Yet, Cklamovski believes the timing simply didn't align with the team's long-term objectives. 'I'd like to see this as an ambitious move. We want to take on serious challenges, but they must come at the right time. 'Our focus now is on the October and November third-round 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where nine points are up for grabs. ''That's our main priority.' He added that the team's plans for September - likely involving friendly matches - will be announced soon and should excite fans. Despite the current international lull, Cklamovski said preparations have not stopped. With the Malaysian Super League set to begin soon, Cklamovski is already watching pre-season matches and has commended the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for their advanced planning. 'Credit to the MFL for mapping out the season early. It gives structure and clarity not only to clubs and players, but also to us at the national level. That kind of organisation is important for long-term success.' Cklamovski sent a clear message to players across the country, whether in the national fold or on the fringes, that their performances are being closely monitored. 'Players who have been in camp with me know the level of professionalism expected. ''But for those who haven't, know that I'm watching. If you want to wear the Malaysia jersey, you have to earn it through consistent performances in training and matches.' He also reiterated that selection will be based on merit, not reputation or geography. 'I don't care if a player is in the Super League, abroad, or in another domestic competition. I'll select the best squad to win matches for Malaysia.' On speculation that more mixed heritage players could be drafted into the national team, Cklamovski clarified that while the coaching staff continue to scout globally, there is no dedicated programme or 'phase two' focused solely on that. 'We've identified players with Malaysian heritage playing abroad and we're tracking them, but there's no formal initiative beyond that. ''Some of the talk is more online chatter than official planning.'
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Clubs hope more locals will claim starting spots after reduction in imports
PETALING JAYA: Super League clubs consider the Malaysian Football League's (MFL) decision to reduce the number of foreign players on the field as a golden opportunity for local players to claim starting spots. In the recent Board of Directors (BoD) meeting, MFL decided to amend the 2025-2026 Malaysia League manual, reducing the number of foreign players allowed on the field to six - down from the previously announced seven. According to the latest amendments, the new foreign player quota of six will consist of four open slots together with one Asian and one South-East Asian, and three foreigners on the bench.. For Negri Sembilan chief executive officer Faliq Firdaus, the decision is a strategic move to strike a balance between maintaining the league's competitiveness and creating greater space for the development of local talent. However, he stressed that local players given this chance should not merely be space-fillers. They must prove their quality on the pitch to make the most of the opportunity that comes with this reduction in foreign player slots. 'With six foreign players allowed on the field, the main challenge is ensuring local players don't just become quota fillers. They need to compete on merit and be placed in a technical environment that is educational and challenging,' he said. 'Without serious investment in local player development, reducing one foreign slot won't have a significant impact. 'At Negri, we're committed to giving opportunities to local players who demonstrate a competitive mentality. We don't want them in the starting eleven just because there's space. We want them there because they've earned it.'' Terengganu interim chief executive officer Shahrizan Mohd Zain echoed the same sentiment, saying the revised rule aligns with the club's plans to promote local players, especially the younger ones. 'Naturally, with fewer foreign players, there's a bonus for local players to grab the opportunity to be in the starting eleven. Our planning has been smooth so far to ensure a good balance between imports and locals moving forward,' he said. 'So far, we've announced four new imports – Junior Ngong Sam (Cameroon), Yan Mabella (France), Gabriel Costa (Brazil), and Raianderson da Costa (Brazil), and we've retained Nurillo Tukhtasinov (Uzbekistan). One more will be added soon, bringing our total to six imports.'
