KUALA LUMPUR – Rising calls to curb the number of foreign players have put the Malaysian Football League (MFL) at a pivotal juncture, as it balances competitive aspirations with the financial realities of the M-League.
Clubs are increasingly pressing the governing body to reduce the current foreign player quota, warning that the existing system is stretching budgets and skewing squad-building strategies.
The issue resurfaced during a recent MFL stakeholders’ roundtable, where Terengganu FC chief operating officer Syahrizan Zain openly called for a reduction in the number of foreign players permitted on the pitch.
At present, Super League teams may register up to 15 foreign players, although filling the quota is not compulsory.
Matchday rules allow six foreign players on the field at any one time — four under the open category, alongside one Asian and one Asean slot with three more allowed on the bench.
However, Syahrizan proposed trimming that number to three or four, insisting that the current framework indirectly compels clubs to spend beyond their means.
“When MFL sets a condition allowing six or seven foreign players on the pitch, the perception is simple, if you cannot afford it, then do not sign them. Spend within your means,” he told Scoop when contacted.
“But the reality is very different when you are competing in this league. There is constant pressure from supporters and stakeholders who expect you to match the maximum allowed. They do not see the financial constraints we operate under or understand the wage structures involved.
“They only see that the rule permits six, so they expect six on the pitch. At the same time, not all imported players are of superior quality — some are third- or even fourth-tier signings who offer little difference compared to local players.
“In the end, clubs feel compelled to fill the quota just to meet expectations rather than genuine sporting needs. That is why we believe it is time for MFL to seriously review this policy and strike a better balance,” he added.
Concerns over the foreign player policy are not new, with critics long warning that it widens the gap between well-funded teams and those operating on tighter budgets.
MFL president Datuk Abdul Ghani Hassan acknowledged the concerns, confirming that the proposals raised will be studied before being presented to the league’s board of directors.
He defended the current allowance, explaining that the higher quota is designed to help leading clubs such as Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Selangor compete on the continental stage, particularly in the Asian Champions League Elite and ACL Two.
“We want these clubs to succeed internationally because their performances contribute valuable ranking points to the league,” he said.
“JDT, for example, brought in 21,000 points, which helped us maintain our standing. While Selangor’s start to the season has not been ideal, JDT continue to perform strongly.
“At the same time, our local players are not getting opportunities abroad. So, we want them to compete against foreign players here. That exposure is crucial.
“Players like Arif Aiman Hanapi have improved because they are constantly tested against imported defenders at clubs like Selangor and Sabah. Likewise, Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili benefits from facing foreign strikers.
“This is part of the long-term plan to raise the standard of our players so they can better represent Harimau Malaya against stronger international opponents.”
Beyond the foreign player debate, Ghani added that MFL will also examine other key issues highlighted during the roundtable, including declining attendances, levy structures, and the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. – May 5, 2026