KUALA LUMPUR – The ongoing instability in the Super League is likely to impact domestic clubs’ ability to renew their licences, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has warned.
The governing body’s response follows growing concerns over the status of AFC club licensing renewals for several teams that have recently withdrawn from the Super League, which currently comprises 13 clubs.
Perak FC has reportedly pulled out due to unresolved salary arrears.
More recently, sources told Scoop that Sri Pahang FC – last season’s Malaysia Cup runners-up – are also expected to exit the Super League following the collapse of a proposed takeover by Genting Plantations Bhd.
There is also a strong possibility that Kedah FC may withdraw due to outstanding wages owed to players. If confirmed, the league could shrink from 13 to just 10 clubs.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John stressed that club licensing is essential for Malaysian teams to remain eligible as official members of the Asian football ecosystem.
“As we always say, club licensing is not just a licence to play football – it’s a benchmark for what it takes to be a good and sustainable club.
“All M-League clubs are required to apply for the AFC Club Licence. It’s a fundamental requirement.
“And if clubs withdraw from their respective leagues, it will certainly affect their licensing process. A club that pulls out is, essentially, a failing club – and that failure extends to meeting licensing criteria.
“It’s similar to being a doctor. Just because you have an MBBS doesn’t mean you can practise for life – you must renew your professional points each year. The same principle applies to AFC club licensing.
“Every year, clubs must renew their licence to remain recognised as legitimate football entities within the Asian region,” he said when met at AFC headquarters in Bukit Jalil.
Windsor also clarified that the instability in the domestic league will not affect Malaysia’s existing allocations for the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) and Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2).
For the record, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Selangor FC have secured slots in the ACLE and ACL2, respectively, having finished as Super League champions and runners-up over the past two seasons.
“The slots for Super League clubs in the ACLE and ACL2 are based on league standings, and will not be affected by domestic issues.
“Even if the number of teams in the Super League drops to 10, the slot allocations will remain unchanged,” Windsor added. – May 11, 2025