KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Malaysian Football League (MFL) is targeting to resolve the issue of salary arrears involving Malaysia League (M-League) clubs within the next two seasons through the implementation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said the FFP framework, fully enforced for the first time this season, has shown positive progress but requires sustained commitment from all clubs to ensure its effectiveness.
He noted that FFP now offers a clearer picture of clubs’ financial positions, with average revenues beginning to exceed expenditure.
“All clubs are urged to remain committed to the target to be achieved within two more seasons. By the third season (2027–2028), no club should face salary payment issues.
"They will also be able to reduce other liabilities,” he told reporters after an MFL roundtable discussion with M-League club representatives here on Wednesday.
Ab Ghani said that monitoring of FFP compliance will also be strengthened through more frequent reviews to ensure optimal adherence.
“Under current procedures, reviews are conducted quarterly, but I have requested that monitoring be carried out monthly,” he said.
The roundtable discussion followed calls from several clubs for a formal platform to address critical issues, including governance, finances and the league’s direction amid ongoing challenges.
Recurring concerns raised include delays in salary payments to players and team officials by certain clubs, as well as rising operational costs that continue to burden many teams.
The roundtable discussion also saw a surprise appearance by the Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
His Highness shared his views and emphasised several fundamental issues requiring serious attention, including grassroots development, refereeing standards, sponsorship and financial discipline among clubs.
In a related development, Ab Ghani said MFL and its league partners will review Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s proposed model to “return football to the people”, restoring the true spirit of the sport as a community-driven game.
“His Royal Highness has provided a (proposal) file, and I have asked all partners and clubs to study it carefully.
“They are to review the proposal and MFL will also assess them before reconvening to discuss and decide. It would be even better if Tunku Mahkota Ismail attends, as the ideas originate from him,” he said.
