PETALING JAYA: Malaysian citizenship is enough for a player to be registered as a local in the domestic league, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) said yesterday, as they moved to address concerns over the status of naturalised and heritage players.
“Players who have Malaysian citizenship and present valid identification documents can be registered as local players,” MFL said in a statement.
The league organiser said the registration process was conducted in accordance with Article 4.5.9 of the Malaysian League Manual 2025-2026 and the FAM MYPAS Football Information Management System (FIFA CONNECT).
MFL said their position was also supported by an official circular dated June 12, 2025, and confirmed by AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John.
The clarification came after Selangor supporters’ group Ultrasel urged the club to take a more assertive stance on integrity issues affecting the Super League, even if it meant challenging MFL and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
MFL also defended their decision to increase the local-player quota to five for the 2026-27 season, saying the request was initially made by Kuching City and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
“Although the original application was submitted by the two clubs, we determined that the additional quota should be open to all clubs,” they said.
MFL said the decision was made before the Sept 3 transfer-window deadline and therefore did not disadvantage any club.
The league organiser also addressed Kuala Lumpur FC’s difficult start to the season, including the club’s special clearance to field only 10 players in their 0-6 defeat by Kuching City.
“The special approval was based on the circumstances and facts of the case, and does not imply that the registration requirements outlined in the Malaysian League regulations have been amended or waived in general,” MFL said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur’s fortunes have improved since their thrashing against Kuching, as they are on a three-game winning streak.
They will be aiming to capitalise on their 1-0 advantage against Perak in the second leg of the FA Cup round of 16 at Cheras Stadium tonight.
