KUALA LUMPUR: Super League clubs competing in AFC and AFF tournaments can now sign two additional foreign players, following a Malaysian Football League's (MFL) rule amendment.
MFL said the decision was made following a proposal by Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) according to Article 3 of the Malaysian League Manual 2024-2025, as well as with the agreement of MFL stakeholders.
JDT, Selangor, Terengganu and KL City will now be allowed to register up to 12 foreign players, up from 10.
"The additional two foreign players will allow the clubs to compete in international tournaments competitively, following the AFC's latest decision of having unlimited registration of foreign players in club competitions organised by the AFC," read MFL's statement.
"However, the rules for the registration of foreign players in the team list for matches in the Super League, Malaysia Cup and MFL Challenge Cup for the 2024-2025 remains the same, which is seven (six + one) players.
"As for the movement of players between Super League and MFL Cup for the 2024-2025 season, the rule of registering five players (local above 23 years old) and a maximum of three foreign players (maximum of two allowed to play on field) for the team list remains.
"The decision to maintain the foreign player quota is to ensure opportunities are given to the local Under-23 players to compete in the MFL Cup."
The MFL said the amendment was made to enable Super League clubs to be competitive and collect points in the AFC club ranking.
"The rules for clubs that are not involved in the AFC and the AFF Championship however remain where they are only allowed to register a maximum of nine foreign players as per existing rules.
"The amendment above is done with the hope that the clubs competing in the international level are well equipped, able to acquire valuable points in the AFC club rankings and simultaneously ensure the slots for the Malaysian clubs in the next season."