KUALA LUMPUR – Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW) have secured promotion to the 2026/27 Super League after PDRM FC officially withdrew from the competition, completing the line-up of 12 teams for the new season.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirmed the development today, stating that the Kota Bharu-based club had fulfilled all financial requirements necessary for promotion from the A1 Semi-Pro League.
KRW, who finished fourth in the A1 Semi-Pro League, were deemed better prepared than fellow applicants UM Damansara United FC and Bunga Raya FC, who also sought entry into the Super League after receiving exceptional national licences from the First Instance Body (FIB).
Armed Forces FC did not submit an application to compete in next season’s top-flight campaign.
The promotion was made possible after PDRM FC submitted a formal withdrawal letter to MFL on Wednesday, citing the need to focus on restructuring the club’s management.
FIB chairman Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sharif said the independent body had completed its assessment of clubs that had previously been granted national licences with sanctions attached.
“Following a detailed review, the FIB found that Melaka FC, Star City FC (formerly known as Imigresen FC) and Kuala Lumpur City FC had fulfilled the requirements set for the National Licence assessment,” he said in a statement.
Sheikh Mohd Nasir added that MFL had informed the FIB of PDRM FC’s decision to pull out of the 2026/27 Super League.
“Accordingly, the FIB has taken note of PDRM FC’s decision to withdraw from the 2026/27 Malaysia Super League competition. As a result, PDRM FC will not take part in the Super League next season,” he said.
FIB stressed that all licensing decisions were made based on a comprehensive evaluation of the information and documentation submitted in accordance with the MFL Club Licensing Regulations for the 2025–2026 cycle.
The FIB had earlier announced on May 26 that Melaka FC, Star City FC, Kuala Lumpur City FC and PDRM FC were granted National Licences with sanctions under Article 8.2 of the MFL Club Licensing Regulations.
The clubs were given until July 15 to submit additional financial and infrastructure documentation.
With KRW’s inclusion, the 2026/27 Super League will feature Johor Darul Ta’zim, Kuching City, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur City, Terengganu, Star City, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah, PDMM, Melaka and Kelantan Red Warrior.
The new Super League season is scheduled to begin on August 1. – July 16, 2026