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The Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
MFL to improve VAR for new season after controversial debut
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have said improvements will be made for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for use in the upcoming Malaysia League 2025-2026 season after several controversial incidents during its introduction last season. Acting MFL chief executive officer Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd said two special briefings regarding the improvement of the system were conducted by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) together with representatives of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the International Football Federation (FIFA). According to him, this is a step to improve the quality of refereeing ahead of the new season starting in August. 'The improvements are not yet in place, but we are aware of it (the issue) because last year was the first time VAR was implemented. 'So from the issues we identified last year, we will improve it for the new season,' he said recently. Last year, FAM referees committee chairman Datuk S. Sivasundaram said the performance of the referees and the implementation of VAR were rated as excellent, with an average of 0.57 'On-field Review' (OFR) per match and an average of 2.27 minutes of added time used for VAR reviews. However, several errors sparked criticism, including after referee Razlan Joffri Ali and a VAR official were suspended for two matches after the Super League match between Perak and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). Razlan, however, came in for high praise for his excellent refereeing in the 2024-2025 Malaysia Cup final between JDT and Pahang, which the Southern Tigers won 2-1. Shazli said the MFL are also now on the right track to ensure that the new season runs smoothly and is free from scheduling delays like those that occurred last season. Therefore, according to him, the full schedule of the new M-League season will be announced after several important elements, such as the Shopee Cup draw and Asian Champions League (ACL), are finalised. — Bernama
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
MFL reviews VAR system for M-League 2025/26 after debut season issues
THE Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will undergo refinements ahead of the 2025/2026 M-League season. This follows multiple contentious incidents during its inaugural implementation last season. Acting MFL CEO Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd revealed that two special briefings were held with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and FIFA to address system enhancements. 'The improvements are not yet finalised, but we recognise the concerns from last season, which was VAR's first year in Malaysia,' he said. FAM Referees Committee chairman Datuk S. Sivasundaram previously stated that VAR performance was rated excellent, averaging 0.57 on-field reviews per match and 2.27 minutes of added time for VAR checks. However, errors such as the suspension of referee Razlan Joffri Ali after a Super League match between Perak and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) drew criticism. Despite setbacks, Razlan earned praise for his handling of the 2024-2025 Malaysia Cup final, where JDT defeated Sri Pahang 2-1. Mohd Shazli added that the MFL is working to avoid scheduling delays seen last season. The full M-League 2025/26 fixture will be released after finalising key events like the Shopee Cup draw and Asian Champions League (ACL) commitments.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Terengganu deny in talks to release winger Akhyar
KUALA NERUS: Terengganu have denied allegations that the club are currently in negotiations with Brunei for the transfer of their agile winger Akhyar Rashid. Their acting chief executive officer, Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain said that so far, no party had come forward with an official request, including the invited Super League team Brunei. He said the Kedah-born player has a contract with the Turtles until 2027 and remains in the team's main plans for the upcoming Malaysian League (M-League) season. 'The player (Akhyar) is still contracted until 2027. We have not received any official letter, let alone engaged in negotiations with Brunei regarding the player's transfer,' said Syahrizan. 'We consider the matter to be mere rumours and speculation on social media. Our focus is on building the team for the new season.' However, Syahrizan said that if any party was interested in acquiring their player, they must go through the correct channels and procedures as stipulated by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL). According to him, the Turtles will only consider any transfer offers if the player is not in the coaching staff's plans for the 2025-2026 season. Akhyar, 26, joined Terengganu last season on a loan deal. During that period, he successfully scored 10 goals in the M-League and Shopee Cup competitions. — Bernama
