PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football clubs believe the reduction of teams for the upcoming Super League season will not take anything away from the on-pitch action.
The 2026-2027 Super League season will see 12 teams compete instead of 13, with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) aiming to allow only clubs with sound financial and organisational structures to compete.
Kuching City chief executive officer Iswandi Ali Hassan said that although there would be one team fewer than last season, it would not affect the overall quality of the competition.
“I don’t think it makes much difference. Having 12 clubs will also help reduce costs, and at the very least, we’ll have higher-quality teams this time.
“So I agree with MFL’s decision to have 12 clubs competing because given the current economic situation, we certainly don’t want anything that could damage the image of the league,” he said.
Selangor chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon shared the same view as he believes the participating clubs are now better prepared for the new season.
“Of course, we all want a league that is competitive, well-organised and offers quality competition. I believe MFL made the decision they felt was best.
“However, we also need to look at each club’s situation and ensure each team are prepared, both on and off the pitch.
“That’s what the clubs need to prove, and MFL must also ensure that every club participating in the Malaysian League are ready to take the competition to a higher level,” he said.
Meanwhile, Terengganu chief operating officer Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain said the quality of teams matters more than the number of clubs competing.
“Ideally, we want all 12 teams to be competitive with no salary issues or other problems that could disrupt the league.’’
Eleven clubs have been confirmed for the new season - Johor Darul Ta’zim, Kuching City, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah, Brunei, Melaka and Star City, formerly known as Immigration.
Police will be the 12th team if they can meet the remaining licensing requirements by Wednesday.
