Early start: National players have to report for Harimau Malaya training stint on Dec 26 to prepare for the Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar from Jan 12 to Feb 10.
PETALING JAYA: The Super League will start in May instead of April, says the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
The league governing body confirmed in a statement that the new season will start on May 3, 2024, and will run until April 2025 following their move to align the domestic season with the new Asian Football Confederation (AFC) calendar.
This year’s season ended on Dec 17.
MFL had changed the previous start date, which was scheduled for mid-April 2024, after taking into account several factors
Players are also committed to their national senior and junior squad duties, Sabah’s participation in the AFC Cup 2023, and pre-season preparations in the month of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
The transfer window will be from Feb 3 to April 26.
“Harimau Malaya players will report to the central training camp on Dec 26 before heading to the Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar from Jan 12 to Feb 10,” said MFL.
“They will then play Oman in the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round on March 21 and 26.”
Sabah will compete in the Asean Zone AFC Cup semi-finals on Feb 13 and 14, while some will also be involved in the national Under-23’s final round outing in the AFC Championship in Doha, Qatar from April 15-May 3.
“MFL believes that the new date is the appropriate kick-off date for the new season.”
Perak chief executive officer Bobie Farid Shamsuddin said they would have to accept the decision and would look for funds to pay the players’ salaries for a longer period. “It’s extra money but it is for Malaysian football. We plan to start pre-season in March, but we will still pay them in January and February.
“As for keeping the lads competitive during the fasting month, we have to plan. Maybe we will have some friendlies in April.”
Selangor chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon said they would have to work doubly hard for funds.
“The budget for 2023 was good but this time around, we have more than 12 months of wages to manage, so we are working on getting the funds and being meticulous,” he said.
“It will be a huge challenge to fulfil our commitments. We are still trying our best to manage and bring in as many resources as possible.
“A lot of decisions are pending but we will look to settling them by January.”
