KUALA LUMPUR – Super League clubs have welcomed the Malaysia Football League’s (MFL) decision to increase the local player registration quota for the 2026/2027 season, saying the move will provide greater squad depth as teams prepare for an increasingly demanding campaign.
The MFL recently announced that its board of directors had approved five additional registration slots for local players, increasing the maximum number of players a club can register from 33 to 38.
Under the revised quota, clubs can register up to 23 local players and 15 foreign players.
The decision followed requests from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Kuching City FC, who are set to face congested schedules next season due to their commitments in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and AFC Champions League Two (ACL2), respectively, as well as the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) and domestic competitions.
Kuching City chief executive officer Iswandi Ali Hassan said the additional five local player slots would provide much-needed depth for teams competing on multiple fronts.
“The increase from 33 to 38 players, with the additional five slots for local players, is a positive decision.
“For our team, it will help because we will have many matches to play, especially with our involvement in the ACL2 and ACC.
“When you have a lot of matches, injuries can become a concern. Having additional players can help, although we must also consider the club’s financial capabilities.
“Kuching City does not have a reserve team and, until now, we have also relied on the President’s Cup and youth squads as additional sources of players,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Negeri Sembilan FC chief executive officer Faliq Firdaus said the increased quota would give clubs greater flexibility in managing their squads but stressed that teams were not obliged to fill all 38 available slots.
He said recruitment would continue to be guided by each club’s needs, financial capacity and long-term planning.
“The additional quota gives clubs greater flexibility in managing their squads, particularly if there are local players who suit the team’s requirements.
“We see this decision as an additional option for clubs rather than a requirement to fill every available slot.
“However, the number of players registered does not necessarily guarantee more playing time, as opportunities will still depend on performance, readiness and competition within the squad,” he said.
Faliq added that the expanded quota could also open the door for more local players, including youngsters making the transition to senior football.
Meanwhile, Terengganu FC acting chief executive officer Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain said the additional slots would give clubs more options, particularly during the second transfer window if they are hit by injuries or need to make changes to their squads.
“There are certainly benefits because it can help develop local players and give more of them opportunities to be part of a team.
“If injuries occur, the second transfer window will provide clubs with more options when making changes or selecting players.
“Overall, with the quota being increased, I believe more local players will have a greater chance of earning a place in the squad,” he said. – August 22, 2026