KUALA LUMPUR: It is common for Singapore to compete in the Malaysian League, but it is rare for a Malaysian team to feature in the Singapore League.
Selangor chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon has hinted that the Red Giants could make their way across the Causeway next season, though only with a feeder team.
As of now, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) have yet to confirm whether it will continue the MFL Cup, a reserve league for Under-23 teams or reinstate the Premier League, the country’s second-tier competition, next season.
With uncertainty surrounding domestic competitions, Selangor are open to the idea of fielding their Under-23 squad in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) if there is no dedicated tournament for them next season.
On Monday, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) invited clubs that meet their criteria to join the SPL.
The initiative aims to expand the number of teams in the league, raise professional football standards in Singapore, and enhance community and fan engagement.
“It’s actually an interesting idea, and I haven’t really explored it yet. We are committed to the Malaysian League because this is where we, as Selangorians, need to compete.
“We don’t know yet, as there has been no announcement regarding the Premier League or the Under-23 competition. Maybe our second team could compete in the Singapore League, I don’t know. There are many factors to consider.
“But if the Premier League or Under-23 competition takes place, we will definitely field a team here. However, there hasn’t been any official announcement yet, and we are still waiting, as our current players have already signed contracts.
“If there is no competition, we may need to weigh our options. I’m also unsure whether the SPL would accept a feeder team, and there are still many aspects to consider,” said Johan.
Selangor have until next month to finalise their decision before the March 14 deadline to submit their application to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
The Singapore Premier League (SPL) currently features nine teams, including two foreign clubs, Albirex Niigata, a satellite team from Japan, and Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Football Club (DPMM) from Brunei.
Malaysia previously had a representative in the SPL through Harimau Muda A.
They competed in the league from 2012 to 2015 as part of a reciprocal arrangement between the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and FAS.
