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FAM to scrap MFL Cup, merge it with A1 Semi-Pro League in major restructure | Scoop
FAM announces the merger of the MFL Cup with the A1 Semi-Pro League, aiming to reduce financial strain on clubs and increase competition. — FAM pic, April 23, 2025
Sports

FAM to scrap MFL Cup, merge it with A1 Semi-Pro League in major restructure

Under-23 tournament dropped as governing body aims to streamline domestic football and ease financial strain on Super League clubs.

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
9:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has announced plans to discontinue the MFL Cup and merge it with the A1 Semi-Pro MBSB Bank Championship, in a bid to strengthen competition within the domestic football structure.

The decision follows lukewarm reception to the MFL Cup, introduced in 2023, which has been criticised by pundits as unnecessary and financially burdensome, particularly for clubs already struggling to stay afloat.

Speaking to Scoop, FAM president Datuk Joehari Mohd Ayub said that financially viable teams from the MFL Cup will be absorbed into the A1 Semi-Pro League — a shift that is expected to boost visibility, increase competitive intensity, and create more promotion opportunities into the Super League.

“We’ve decided to scrap the MFL Cup because it places an added financial strain on Super League clubs that are already struggling,” Joehari said.  

“Many of these teams can’t afford to pay their senior players — and the same applies to their Under-23 squads. This move helps reduce costs while streamlining our competition structure.”

He added that the A1 Semi-Pro League will now serve as Malaysia’s definitive second-tier competition, with the inclusion of more Under-23 teams expected to intensify the level of play and strengthen the promotion-relegation system.

“We’re also planning to engage the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh on this matter. She has urged us to address the financial issues affecting clubs, which have tarnished the image of Malaysian football,” he said, speaking after a Hari Raya open house at Wisma FAM.

The MFL Cup, an Under-23 competition featuring 13 Super League clubs, has been marred by recurring financial issues — including cases of unpaid wages at Sri Pahang FC, Kedah FC and Kelantan FC. 

These problems have reflected wider fiscal instability at the senior team level.

Under current regulations, Super League clubs are required to maintain squads for four tiers: the senior team, MFL Cup (U23), President’s Cup (U21), and Youth Cup (U18) — a structure originally intended to support long-term player development.

The most recent edition of the MFL Cup saw Johor Darul Ta’zim II crowned champions with 53 points. 

Selangor II finished a close second with 52 points but are expected to join next season’s Singapore Premier League instead of participating in the A1 Semi-Pro League.

This season’s A1 Semi-Pro League featured 15 teams, with Melaka FC securing promotion to the Super League as champions. — April 23, 2025

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