KUALA LUMPUR — All clubs competing in the 2025–2026 Malaysia League (M-League) season are now allowed to register up to 33 players, following a decision by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to expand the local player quota.
The MFL said its board of directors approved the addition of three extra local player slots per team at a recent special meeting, after considering applications from several clubs — particularly those from the newly introduced Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League.
“These clubs are exempted from fielding developmental teams such as the President’s Cup, Youth Cup, and Under-17 and Under-10 squads in their first season. Additionally, the MFL Cup will not be held during the 2025–2026 season,” the league said in a statement today.
“As such, the additional local player quota provides more squad options for clubs without developmental teams.”
The MFL clarified that the extra slots are optional and not mandatory. Clubs may choose whether to utilise them based on their individual needs and financial capacity, especially under the current Financial Fair Play (FFP) framework.
Under FFP rules, clubs are limited to spending a maximum of 80% of their annual budget on player salaries.
With the latest change, clubs may now register up to 33 players: 18 local and 15 foreign players.
The registration period remains open until the close of the first transfer window on August 31. The second transfer window will run from January 5 to February 1 2026. — August 1, 2025