KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) recent decision to permit up to 15 foreign players per team has faced strong backlash from veteran sports analyst Datuk Pekan Ramli, who warns that this could exacerbate inequality among clubs and marginalise local talent.
Speaking to Scoop, Pekan expressed concern that this significant change represents a troubling trend in the local football landscape, prioritising financial strength over the development of grassroots initiatives.
He warned that if this policy goes unchecked, it could disrupt fair competition, impede youth development, and ultimately diminish the identity of Malaysian football.
“As a fan, former player, and critic, I am disheartened by this announcement — suggesting we raise the quota to 15 and implying that those who can’t afford it should step aside. Is this really what we want in football?”
Pekan compared the situation to a luxury showroom that overlooks those with fewer resources.
“We showcase high-end cars like BMW and Mercedes, and people come to admire them. But if you can’t afford them, you’re told to leave and check out more affordable options.”
“Is that the message? That it’s your issue if you can’t keep up? This approach is unhealthy and not beneficial for our football.”
He also questioned the rationale behind the policy change, expressing skepticism about whether there was true agreement among clubs and stakeholders.
“Was there real consensus among those involved? In any well-functioning organisation, decisions should reflect a collective agreement, not a directive from above.”
“Did everyone agree on this? If it’s a consensus, then yes, everyone should adhere to it.”
Pekan pointed out the widening gap in team depth and quality, particularly between wealthier clubs that can afford a full roster of foreign players and smaller teams with limited budgets.
“But is it fair when some clubs field seven to eight foreign players, not counting heritage or naturalised players, while others only have three or four?”
“Is this a level playing field? The situation is not equitable. We can’t implement such drastic changes and expect everyone to adjust seamlessly.”
He suggested that the increased quota should only apply to clubs participating in AFC tournaments, rather than being enforced across the entire domestic league.
“The foreign player quota should be raised only for clubs competing in Asian competitions. Those additional players should be used solely in those tournaments, not in M-League matches.”
The former national player also expressed serious concerns about how this new policy might restrict opportunities for Malaysian players.
“If a team has seven foreign players and two more on the bench, and all teams fill their quotas, how many local players will actually get to play? Only four?”
He cautioned that an over-reliance on heritage players might yield short-term success but could ultimately hinder national development.
“Using heritage players as a shortcut will undermine the future of national football.”
“If we don’t nurture our local talents, how can we ever produce players like those from Japan or Korea who compete in the World Cup?”
“This is also about fostering our national identity, our jati diri bangsa. We cannot afford to lose that.”
For context, last season, the MFL allowed a foreign player quota of 12 for each club. – June 7, 2025