Malaysian Premier League
Encyclopedia
Malaysia Premier League is the second-tier football league in Malaysia. The league is currently named Astro Premier League Malaysia (Astro Liga Perdana Malaysia in Malay). The League was previously called the TM Premier League Malaysia because of the sponsorship of Telekom Malaysia
, But it was changed after Astro
became the league sponsors replacing Telekom Malaysia
Between 2004 and 2006, the professional football league in Malaysia was divided into three groups:
At the end of the season, the top team from each group of the Premier League was promoted to the Malaysia Super League. The teams which finished bottom of each group were relegated to the National League Malaysia. The two group champions also faced-off to determine the Malaysia Premier League Championship
.
For the 2006-07 season, the Malaysia Premier League was reorganised into a single league of 11 teams instead of being a competition involving two separate groups of teams.
However FAM's Malaysia National under 21 team, the Harimau Muda were not given the prize money. The money were kept by the organizer (FAM). But for the 2010s league, Harimau Muda B will keep their prize money (unlike their brother last year).
ATM FA
Johor FA
Harimau Muda B Shahzan Muda FC
Malacca FA
MP Muar FC
¹ PDRM FA
² PKNS FC
Pos Malaysia FC
¹ Sime Darby FC Sarawak FA
USM FC¹
¹ - promoted from FAM Cup League Malaysia
² - relegated from Super League Malaysia
The last case of unprofessional conduct involved Ivan Ziga
, a Slovakia
n player who plays for Sarawak FA
. Ivan Ziga
claims his contract was terminated nine-months early without any explanation. He also claimed he was not paid. He took his plight to the Football Association of Malaysia
but received no reply until Ivan Ziga
threatened to take the case to FIFA
.
Ivan Ziga
's case is not uncommon in Malaysia, with most other cases involving African players who are either not paid or left stranded when their contracts are terminated early without any proper explanation given by teams.
Foreign players are to come back to the league starting from the 2012 season onwards. All foreign players must obtain International Transfer Certificate from their previous national football/soccer governing body that their previous clubs affiliated before they can be register with FAM
to plays in Malaysia Premier League.
The early editions of Division 2 League, M-League, Premier 2 League and Malaysia Premier League used the same format for foreign players as the previous edition of second layer league in Malaysia, which allows club to have 3 foreign players from any countries without further restrictions. Further up, clubs can employ as many as 4 foreign players and only 3 of them are allowed to play together in a match.
2. Teams participating in AFC Cup 2012 can employ one (1) extra Foreign Player, making it a total of three (3) Foreign Players, but the third Foreign Player is only allowed to play for the AFC Cup
Tournament.
3. All the teams seeking to employ foreign players must seek clearance from the Vetting Committee.
4. There is no restriction as to the country of origin of the Foreign Player but subject to the Malaysian Immigration Law.
5. The Foreign Player to be selected should comply with the following playing status:-
- Only Foreign Players playing in Division 2 and above are allowed from the Confederations listed below:
- Only Foreign Players playing in Division 1 are allowed from the Confederations listed below:
- However, only current National Players from countries with world ranking higher than Malaysia
’s ranking in FIFA
’s World Ranking listed on 24th August 2011 is allowed to play in M-League 2012.
6. All Foreign Players to be employed must be certified medically fit and free from illnesses such as HIV
Aids
, Hepatitis A
, B and C by a Malaysia Hospital approved by FAM or State Football Associations.
7. The Foreign Player must bring together his medical records and a copy of his contract from the previous club or loan agreement between players and the club concerned.
8. An agreement contract of minimum SIX (6) months, shall be drawn out by the Football Association of Malaysia
, and will be signed between the foreign player and the State Football Association or Clubs.
9. Teams can employ a Foreign Player for a maximum of two (2) years subject to renewal based on performance at the end of the first year.
10. If the Foreign Player wants to continue playing for the same team after two (2) years, then he will have to appeal to the Vetting Committee.
11. Foreign Player who has played in one season of the M-League, either full or halfway, will not be able to play for another team in the M-League in the remainder of the season and the entire duration of the next season.
12. A minimum monthly salary of RM2,500.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED ONLY), has been set for each Foreign Player.
13. State Football Associations are only allowed to deal regarding hiring matters with FIFA / FAM Agents or parents, lawyers, siblings, spouse of the Foreign Players.
14. The additional perks may include suitable accommodation and a car for Foreign Players.
15. The quantum for the match bonuses shall be agreed upon between the Foreign Player and the State Football Association or Club.
16. The State Football Association or Club intending to hire a Foreign Player must have a healthy budget and submit deposit to FAM for each Foreign Player hired based on the calculation below:
Deposit = Total Salary (one month gross salary) x 3
17. Foreign Players who are playing or who have played in AFF
South East Asian League have to complete a cooling-off period of two years, where their last Contract must have ended before or on 7th December 2009 before they can be hired by State Football Association or Club to play in M-League 2012.
18. All the Foreign Players, Team Manager, Coaches and the State Football Secretary which hires the Foreign Players will have to undergo a compulsory pre-season briefing conducted by the Vetting Committee.
19. All matters not stipulated under this guidelines, any exemption to the guideline or unforeseen circumstances and interpretation of the guidelines will be determined by the vetting committee whose decision shall be final and binding.
20. In the event of any dispute on the interpretation of these Guidelines, the decisions of the Vetting Committee of the Football Association of Malaysia
shall be final.
2012
Telekom Malaysia
Telekom Malaysia Berhad , DBA TM, is the largest integrated solutions provider in Malaysia, and one of Asia's leading communications companies, with a market capitalisation of RM13.9 billion and a workforce of 26,629 employees. Established as the Telecommunications Department of Malaya in 1946, it...
, But it was changed after Astro
Astro (Malaysian satellite television)
Astro is the brand name of the Malaysian direct broadcast satellite pay television service. It transmits digital satellite television and radio to households in Malaysia & Brunei...
became the league sponsors replacing Telekom Malaysia
Telekom Malaysia
Telekom Malaysia Berhad , DBA TM, is the largest integrated solutions provider in Malaysia, and one of Asia's leading communications companies, with a market capitalisation of RM13.9 billion and a workforce of 26,629 employees. Established as the Telecommunications Department of Malaya in 1946, it...
History
Between 1998 to 2003, the second-tier league existed as the Malaysia Premier Two League, below the top-flight Malaysia Premier One League. In 2004, it was relaunched as the Malaysia Premier League, and the top-tier league was renamed the Malaysia Super League.Between 2004 and 2006, the professional football league in Malaysia was divided into three groups:
- First Division: Malaysia Super League
- Second Division: Malaysia Premier League Group A
- Second Division: Malaysia Premier League Group B
At the end of the season, the top team from each group of the Premier League was promoted to the Malaysia Super League. The teams which finished bottom of each group were relegated to the National League Malaysia. The two group champions also faced-off to determine the Malaysia Premier League Championship
Championship
Championship is a term used in sport to refer to various forms of competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.- Title match system :...
.
For the 2006-07 season, the Malaysia Premier League was reorganised into a single league of 11 teams instead of being a competition involving two separate groups of teams.
Prize money
According to a press report, these were price money for the 2009 competition.- RM 200,000 for the league champion
- RM 100,000 for the second place
- RM 50,000 for third place
However FAM's Malaysia National under 21 team, the Harimau Muda were not given the prize money. The money were kept by the organizer (FAM). But for the 2010s league, Harimau Muda B will keep their prize money (unlike their brother last year).
Teams
The Malaysia Premier League 2011 season will have 12 teams playing for promotion to the Malaysia Super League. The teams are:-ATM FA
ATM FA
The Angkatan Tentera Malaysia Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the Angkatan Tentera Malaysia . The team's home stadium is the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Selangor...
Johor FA
Johor FA
The Football Association of Johor enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Johor. The team currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League.The team won the Malaysia Cup in 1985 and 1991, and the Malaysian League in 1991....
Harimau Muda B Shahzan Muda FC
Shahzan Muda FC
Shahzan Muda Football Club is a Malaysian football club based in Kuantan, Pahang. The club currently plays at the Malaysian FAM Cup, the third tier of the Malaysian League.-Honours:-Achievements:-Current squad:Transfers...
Malacca FA
Malacca FA
The Football Association of Malacca enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Malacca. The team is based in Malacca Town. They currently play in the third-tier division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia FAM Cup....
MP Muar FC
Muar Municipal Council FC
Majlis Perbandaran Muar FC or MP Muar FC is a Malaysian football club based in Muar, Johor. The club represents Majlis Perbandaran Muar in Malaysia football. The club plays in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of the Malaysian League.Their home ground is Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar,...
¹ PDRM FA
PDRM FA
The Polis Di-Raja Malaysia Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia . The team's home stadium is the MPS Stadium in Selayang, Selangor...
² PKNS FC
PKNS FC
Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor Football Club or PKNS FC is a Malaysia club based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. This team is currently playing in the second tier of Malaysian football, the Malaysia Premier League. It is also involved in the Malaysian FA Cup and the Malaysian President's Cup...
Pos Malaysia FC
Pos Malaysia FC
Pos Malaysia FC is a Malaysian football club, which currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of Malaysian league system. Their home stadium is the MPS Stadium in Selayang, Selangor. The club is under the management of Pos Malaysia Berhad, the country's national postal...
¹ Sime Darby FC Sarawak FA
Sarawak FA
The Football Association of Sarawak enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Sarawak...
USM FC¹
¹ - promoted from FAM Cup League Malaysia
² - relegated from Super League Malaysia
Champions
| Season | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 Malaysia Premier League 2004 The Premier League Malaysia champions for 2004 were Selangor MPPJ . They were promoted to Super League Malaysia 2005 along with runners-up Melaka TMFC.-League table:Group A... |
 MPPJ FC |
 TM FC |
| 2005 Malaysia Premier League 2005 Premier League Malaysia 2005 is the 2nd edition of Premier League Malaysia. The champions for season 2005 were Selangor FA. They were promoted to Super League Malaysia 2005-06 along with runners-up Negeri Sembilan FA.-Group A:Last updated June 5, 2007.... |
Selangor FA Selangor FA The Football Association of Selangor , commonly referred to as FAS or simply Selangor, competes in Malaysian football competitions representing the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The team is based in Shah Alam city. They are currently playing in Malaysian Super League, the top-flight of Malaysian... |
 Negeri Sembilan FANegeri Sembilan FA The Football Association of Negeri Sembilan enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Negri Sembilan. The team is based in Seremban. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
| 2005-06 Malaysia Premier League 2005-06 Premier League Malaysia 2005-06 is the 3rd edition of Premier League Malaysia. The Premier League Malaysia champions for 2005/2006 were Kedah FA... |
 Kedah FAKedah FA The Kedah FA are a Malaysian professional football association team based in Kedah, Malaysia also enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kedah... |
Malacca FA Malacca FA The Football Association of Malacca enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Malacca. The team is based in Malacca Town. They currently play in the third-tier division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia FAM Cup.... |
| 2006-07 Malaysia Premier League 2006-07 The Premier League Malaysia 2006-07 season had 11 teams playing for promotion to the expanded Super League Malaysia. The teams were:-* ATM FA Johor FA Kelantan FA KL PLUS FC Kuala Lumpur FA Kuala Muda Naza FC* PDRM FA PKNS FC Sabah FA Shahzan Muda FC... |
 PDRM FAPDRM FA The Polis Di-Raja Malaysia Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia . The team's home stadium is the MPS Stadium in Selayang, Selangor... |
UPB MyTeam FC UPB-MyTeam FC For information about the reality TV series, see MyTeam .UPB MyTeam Football Club is a defunct Malaysian soccer club which formerly competed in the top tier of Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
| 2007-08 Malaysia Premier League 2007-08 The Premier League Malaysia 2007-08 season will have 14 teams battling out for promotion to the recently expanded Super League Malaysia. The teams are:-* Malacca FA¹* PKNS FC* Johor FA* Shahzan Muda FC* Sabah FA* Kuala Lumpur FA* Kelantan FA* ATM FA... |
Kuala Muda Naza FC Kuala Muda Naza FC Naza Football Club was a Malaysian football club based in Kuala Muda, Kedah. The team last competes in the first tier of the Malaysian football league, the Super League Malaysia. The team is a product of a Malaysian car company Naza. The group is a well known Malaysian based motor trading and... |
 PLUS FCPLUS FC PLUS Football Club is a defunct football club of PLUS Expressways Berhad, the main toll highway operator company of the Malaysian Expressway System. The club plays in the 1 Division of Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League. Their home stadium is the MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya, Petaling... |
| 2009 Malaysia Premier League 2009 The Premier League Malaysia 2009 was the sixteenth season of the Premier League Malaysia, Malaysia's second tier football league. It began in January 2009 and will have 14 teams playing for promotion to the recently expanded Super League Malaysia.... |
Harimau Muda A |
 PBDKT T-Team FCPBDKT T-Team FC Persatuan Bola Sepak Daerah Kuala Terengganu or T-Team is a Malaysian football club based in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. The club currently plays at the Malaysia Super League, the highest tier of the Malaysian League.... |
| 2010 |  Felda United FCFelda United FC FELDA United Football Club is a football club from Malaysia which represents the Federal Land Development Authority . The team currently plays in the Malaysia Super League.-History:... |
 Sabah FASabah FA The Football Association of Sabah is a registered football association affiliated with the Football Association of Malaysia. The association's football team competes in Malaysia's football league representing the state of Sabah in Borneo. Sabah FA is a professional football club and one of the 14... |
| 2011 | PKNS FC PKNS FC Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor Football Club or PKNS FC is a Malaysia club based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. This team is currently playing in the second tier of Malaysian football, the Malaysia Premier League. It is also involved in the Malaysian FA Cup and the Malaysian President's Cup... |
 Sarawak FASarawak FA The Football Association of Sarawak enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Sarawak... |
| 2012 | ||
Pre-2004 Malaysian football league second-tier champions
| Year | Champions |
|---|---|
| 1982-88 | no second-tier league |
| 1989 | Division 2:  Perlis FAPerlis FA The Perlis Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Perlis. The team is based in Kangar, Perlis. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League. Their home stadium is Utama Negeri Stadium in Kangar, Perlis... |
| 1990 | Division 2: Terengganu FA Terengganu FA The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu (Bahasa Melayu: Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Terengganu (PBSNT) enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Terengganu. The team is based in Kuala... |
| 1991 | Division 2: Negeri Sembilan FA Negeri Sembilan FA The Football Association of Negeri Sembilan enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Negri Sembilan. The team is based in Seremban. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
| 1992 | Division 2: Kedah FA Kedah FA The Kedah FA are a Malaysian professional football association team based in Kedah, Malaysia also enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kedah... |
| 1993 | Division 2: Selangor FA Selangor FA The Football Association of Selangor , commonly referred to as FAS or simply Selangor, competes in Malaysian football competitions representing the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The team is based in Shah Alam city. They are currently playing in Malaysian Super League, the top-flight of Malaysian... |
| 1994-97 | no second-tier league |
| 1998 | Premier 2: Terengganu FA Terengganu FA The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu (Bahasa Melayu: Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Terengganu (PBSNT) enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Terengganu. The team is based in Kuala... |
| 1999 | Premier 2:  Johor FAJohor FA The Football Association of Johor enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Johor. The team currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League.The team won the Malaysia Cup in 1985 and 1991, and the Malaysian League in 1991.... |
| 2000 | Premier 2:  Kelantan FAKelantan FA The Kelantan Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. The team is based in the city of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. They are currently playing in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
| 2001 | Premier 2: Johor FC Johor FC Johor Football Club is a Malaysian football club based in Pasir Gudang, Johor. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League... |
| 2002 | Premier 2: Kedah FA Kedah FA The Kedah FA are a Malaysian professional football association team based in Kedah, Malaysia also enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kedah... |
| 2003 | Premier 2: Public Bank FC Public Bank FC Public Bank Football Club is a defunct football club from Malaysia, based in Selayang, Selangor. The club won the Malaysian Premier II League title in 2003, and played in the Malaysian Super League in 2004 and 2005. In their first season in the Super League, they finished runners-up to Pahang... |
Best performing teams
| # | Club | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kedah FA Kedah FA The Kedah FA are a Malaysian professional football association team based in Kedah, Malaysia also enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kedah... |
3 |
| 2 | Selangor FA Selangor FA The Football Association of Selangor , commonly referred to as FAS or simply Selangor, competes in Malaysian football competitions representing the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The team is based in Shah Alam city. They are currently playing in Malaysian Super League, the top-flight of Malaysian... |
2 |
| 3 | Terengganu FA Terengganu FA The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu (Bahasa Melayu: Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Terengganu (PBSNT) enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Terengganu. The team is based in Kuala... |
2 |
| 4 | Johor FA Johor FA The Football Association of Johor enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Johor. The team currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League.The team won the Malaysia Cup in 1985 and 1991, and the Malaysian League in 1991.... |
1 |
| 5 | Perlis FA Perlis FA The Perlis Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Perlis. The team is based in Kangar, Perlis. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League. Their home stadium is Utama Negeri Stadium in Kangar, Perlis... |
1 |
| 6 | Negeri Sembilan FA Negeri Sembilan FA The Football Association of Negeri Sembilan enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Negri Sembilan. The team is based in Seremban. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
1 |
| 7 | MPPJ FC |
1 |
| 8 | Kelantan FA Kelantan FA The Kelantan Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. The team is based in the city of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. They are currently playing in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
1 |
| 9 | PDRM FA PDRM FA The Polis Di-Raja Malaysia Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia . The team's home stadium is the MPS Stadium in Selayang, Selangor... |
1 |
| 10 | Johor FC Johor FC Johor Football Club is a Malaysian football club based in Pasir Gudang, Johor. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League... |
1 |
| 11 | Public Bank FC Public Bank FC Public Bank Football Club is a defunct football club from Malaysia, based in Selayang, Selangor. The club won the Malaysian Premier II League title in 2003, and played in the Malaysian Super League in 2004 and 2005. In their first season in the Super League, they finished runners-up to Pahang... |
1 |
| 12 | Naza FC Kuala Muda Naza FC Naza Football Club was a Malaysian football club based in Kuala Muda, Kedah. The team last competes in the first tier of the Malaysian football league, the Super League Malaysia. The team is a product of a Malaysian car company Naza. The group is a well known Malaysian based motor trading and... |
1 |
| 13 | Harimau Muda Harimau Muda Harimau Muda B or Malaysia national under-19 football team also known as Malaysia U-19 is an under-19 soccer team from Malaysia. The team's squad is made up of members of the Malaysia national under-19 football team... |
1 |
| 14 | Felda United FC Felda United FC FELDA United Football Club is a football club from Malaysia which represents the Federal Land Development Authority . The team currently plays in the Malaysia Super League.-History:... |
1 |
| 15 | PKNS FC PKNS FC Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor Football Club or PKNS FC is a Malaysia club based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. This team is currently playing in the second tier of Malaysian football, the Malaysia Premier League. It is also involved in the Malaysian FA Cup and the Malaysian President's Cup... |
1 |
Foreign players
The professionalism of some teams have also been questioned. Most Malaysia Premier League teams view foreign players as a necessity and as a result, most teams usually fill up their rosters with unknown foreigners. Teams usually sign foreigners based on their performances in pre-season trials. It is not uncommon for foreign players to be released after just two or three matches or be kept on the sidelines for an entire season.The last case of unprofessional conduct involved Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga is a Slovakian football player. He currently plays for Kremser SC in the 2. HNL.-External links:* * *...
, a Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
n player who plays for Sarawak FA
Sarawak FA
The Football Association of Sarawak enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Sarawak...
. Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga is a Slovakian football player. He currently plays for Kremser SC in the 2. HNL.-External links:* * *...
claims his contract was terminated nine-months early without any explanation. He also claimed he was not paid. He took his plight to the Football Association of Malaysia
Football Association of Malaysia
The Football Association of Malaysia is the governing body for football in Malaysia, responsible for organising the Malaysian national football team and the major football and futsal tournaments within the country. The Football Association of Malaysia main headquarters is located at Wisma...
but received no reply until Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga is a Slovakian football player. He currently plays for Kremser SC in the 2. HNL.-External links:* * *...
threatened to take the case to FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
.
Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga
Ivan Ziga is a Slovakian football player. He currently plays for Kremser SC in the 2. HNL.-External links:* * *...
's case is not uncommon in Malaysia, with most other cases involving African players who are either not paid or left stranded when their contracts are terminated early without any proper explanation given by teams.
Foreign players are to come back to the league starting from the 2012 season onwards. All foreign players must obtain International Transfer Certificate from their previous national football/soccer governing body that their previous clubs affiliated before they can be register with FAM
Football Association of Malaysia
The Football Association of Malaysia is the governing body for football in Malaysia, responsible for organising the Malaysian national football team and the major football and futsal tournaments within the country. The Football Association of Malaysia main headquarters is located at Wisma...
to plays in Malaysia Premier League.
The early editions of Division 2 League, M-League, Premier 2 League and Malaysia Premier League used the same format for foreign players as the previous edition of second layer league in Malaysia, which allows club to have 3 foreign players from any countries without further restrictions. Further up, clubs can employ as many as 4 foreign players and only 3 of them are allowed to play together in a match.
Guidelines on Hiring of Foreign Players for the M-League
1. Each team in the M-League can employ a maximum of TWO (2) professional Foreign Players subject to the FAM Regulations.2. Teams participating in AFC Cup 2012 can employ one (1) extra Foreign Player, making it a total of three (3) Foreign Players, but the third Foreign Player is only allowed to play for the AFC Cup
AFC Cup
The AFC Cup is an annual international association football competition between domestic clubs sides run by the Asian Football Confederation . Qualification to the competition is to clubs from AFC-affiliated countries which fall into the AFC's 'developing nations' category as laid out in their...
Tournament.
3. All the teams seeking to employ foreign players must seek clearance from the Vetting Committee.
4. There is no restriction as to the country of origin of the Foreign Player but subject to the Malaysian Immigration Law.
5. The Foreign Player to be selected should comply with the following playing status:-
- Only Foreign Players playing in Division 2 and above are allowed from the Confederations listed below:
- Union of European Football Associations (UEFAUEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
) - Confederation of African FootballConfederation of African FootballThe Confederation of African Football is the administrative and controlling body for African association football.CAF represents the national football associations of Africa, runs continental, national, and club competitions, and controls the prize money, regulations and media rights to those...
(CAFCAFCAF may refer to:Armed forces*Canadian Armed Forces , the Canadian Air Force, Army, and Navy*Canadian Air Force, now the Royal Canadian Air Force*Republic of China Air Force, the air force of the Republic of China...
) - Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAFCONCACAFThe Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football is the continental governing body for association football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean...
) - South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOLCONMEBOLThe South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations...
)
- Only Foreign Players playing in Division 1 are allowed from the Confederations listed below:
- Asian Football ConfederationAsian Football ConfederationThe Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
(AFCAFCAFC is an abbreviation that may refer to:-Technology:* Application Foundation Classes, a graphical framework for building Java-based graphical user interfaces , developed by Microsoft* Automated Fare Collection System* Automatic frequency control...
) - Oceania Football ConfederationOceania Football ConfederationThe Oceania Football Confederation is one of the six continental confederations of international association football, consisting of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and island nations such as Tonga, Fiji and other Pacific Island countries...
(OFCOFCOFC may refer to:* Corporate Office Properties Trust * Oceania Football Confederation* Offshore Financial Centre* Online Film Critics Society* Open fiber control* Open Financial Connectivity* Optical fiber cable* Optical Fiber Conference...
)
- However, only current National Players from countries with world ranking higher than Malaysia
Malaysia national football team
The Malaysian national football team nicknamed Harimau Malaya, as the Malayan Tiger, is the national team of Malaysia and is controlled by the Football Association of Malaysia...
’s ranking in FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
’s World Ranking listed on 24th August 2011 is allowed to play in M-League 2012.
6. All Foreign Players to be employed must be certified medically fit and free from illnesses such as HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
Aids
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
, Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus , an RNA virus, usually spread the fecal-oral route; transmitted person-to-person by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infectious person...
, B and C by a Malaysia Hospital approved by FAM or State Football Associations.
7. The Foreign Player must bring together his medical records and a copy of his contract from the previous club or loan agreement between players and the club concerned.
8. An agreement contract of minimum SIX (6) months, shall be drawn out by the Football Association of Malaysia
Football Association of Malaysia
The Football Association of Malaysia is the governing body for football in Malaysia, responsible for organising the Malaysian national football team and the major football and futsal tournaments within the country. The Football Association of Malaysia main headquarters is located at Wisma...
, and will be signed between the foreign player and the State Football Association or Clubs.
9. Teams can employ a Foreign Player for a maximum of two (2) years subject to renewal based on performance at the end of the first year.
10. If the Foreign Player wants to continue playing for the same team after two (2) years, then he will have to appeal to the Vetting Committee.
11. Foreign Player who has played in one season of the M-League, either full or halfway, will not be able to play for another team in the M-League in the remainder of the season and the entire duration of the next season.
12. A minimum monthly salary of RM2,500.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED ONLY), has been set for each Foreign Player.
13. State Football Associations are only allowed to deal regarding hiring matters with FIFA / FAM Agents or parents, lawyers, siblings, spouse of the Foreign Players.
14. The additional perks may include suitable accommodation and a car for Foreign Players.
15. The quantum for the match bonuses shall be agreed upon between the Foreign Player and the State Football Association or Club.
16. The State Football Association or Club intending to hire a Foreign Player must have a healthy budget and submit deposit to FAM for each Foreign Player hired based on the calculation below:
Deposit = Total Salary (one month gross salary) x 3
17. Foreign Players who are playing or who have played in AFF
AFF
-Organizations:* Armed Forces Foundation, a military non-profit support group* Afghanistan Football Federation, the governing body of football in Afghanistan* ASEAN Football Federation, a subset of nations within the Asian Football Confederation from Southeast Asia...
South East Asian League have to complete a cooling-off period of two years, where their last Contract must have ended before or on 7th December 2009 before they can be hired by State Football Association or Club to play in M-League 2012.
18. All the Foreign Players, Team Manager, Coaches and the State Football Secretary which hires the Foreign Players will have to undergo a compulsory pre-season briefing conducted by the Vetting Committee.
19. All matters not stipulated under this guidelines, any exemption to the guideline or unforeseen circumstances and interpretation of the guidelines will be determined by the vetting committee whose decision shall be final and binding.
20. In the event of any dispute on the interpretation of these Guidelines, the decisions of the Vetting Committee of the Football Association of Malaysia
Football Association of Malaysia
The Football Association of Malaysia is the governing body for football in Malaysia, responsible for organising the Malaysian national football team and the major football and futsal tournaments within the country. The Football Association of Malaysia main headquarters is located at Wisma...
shall be final.
20122012 Malaysia Premier LeagueThe 2012 Malaysia Premier League is the 9th season of the Premier League Malaysia since its rebranding from the previous format.The league is currently the second-level football league of Malaysia...
Foreign Players
| Club | Visa 1 | Visa 2 | Visa 3 | Visa 4 | Visa 5 | Non-Visa Foreign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pahang FAPahang FA The Football Association of Pahang enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Pahang. The team is based in Kuantan, Pahang. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League... |
None | |||||
| Perlis FA Perlis FA The Perlis Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Perlis. The team is based in Kangar, Perlis. They play in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysian Super League. Their home stadium is Utama Negeri Stadium in Kangar, Perlis... |
None | |||||
| PDRM FA PDRM FA The Polis Di-Raja Malaysia Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia . The team's home stadium is the MPS Stadium in Selayang, Selangor... |
None | |||||
| Johor FA Johor FA The Football Association of Johor enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Johor. The team currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League.The team won the Malaysia Cup in 1985 and 1991, and the Malaysian League in 1991.... |
||||||
| Sime Darby FC |
None | |||||
 USM FC |
None | |||||
| ATM FA ATM FA The Angkatan Tentera Malaysia Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the Angkatan Tentera Malaysia . The team's home stadium is the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Selangor... |
None | |||||
| Muar Municipal Council FC Muar Municipal Council FC Majlis Perbandaran Muar FC or MP Muar FC is a Malaysian football club based in Muar, Johor. The club represents Majlis Perbandaran Muar in Malaysia football. The club plays in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of the Malaysian League.Their home ground is Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar,... |
None | |||||
| Pos Malaysia FC Pos Malaysia FC Pos Malaysia FC is a Malaysian football club, which currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of Malaysian league system. Their home stadium is the MPS Stadium in Selayang, Selangor. The club is under the management of Pos Malaysia Berhad, the country's national postal... |
None | |||||
| Harimau Muda B |
None | |||||
| Betaria FC Betaria FC Negeri Sembilan Betaria FC is a football club from Negeri Sembilan. The team currently plays in the Malaysia FAM Cup.Team Officials* Team Manager: B... |
None | |||||
| MBJB FC MBJB FC MBJB FC is a Malaysian football club based in Johor Bahru, Johor. The club currently plays in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of the Malaysian League.... |
None |
Golden Boot Winners
| Season | Players | Teams/Clubs | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | - | - | - |
| 1990 | - | - | - |
| 1991 |  Marshall SoperMarshall Soper Marshall Soper, born May 12, 1960, is a former football player with Sydney Olympic.A bustling but skilful forward with reputation for hot-headedness, he played in 118 games and scored 42 goals for Olympic... |
Penang FA |
11 |
| 1992 | - | - | |
| 1993 | Alistair Edwards Alistair Edwards Alistair Edwards is a former professional soccer player from Australia. A prominent forward, he made a name for himself with National Soccer League clubs Sydney Olympic and Perth Glory... |
 Singapore FAFootball Association of Singapore The Football Association of Singapore is the governing body of football in Singapore. It was founded in 1952. Prior to that, the Singapore Amateur Football Association, founded in 1892, was the governing body for football in Singapore... |
|
| 1998 |  Seidu Issifu |
Terengganu FA Terengganu FA The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu The Football Association of Terengganu (Bahasa Melayu: Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Terengganu (PBSNT) enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Terengganu. The team is based in Kuala... |
8 |
| 1999 | Rusdi Suparman Rusdi Suparman Mohd Rusdi Bin Mohd Suparman is a retired, Malaysian footballer. He was known as Superman by his team mates and his fans... |
Selangor FA Selangor FA The Football Association of Selangor , commonly referred to as FAS or simply Selangor, competes in Malaysian football competitions representing the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The team is based in Shah Alam city. They are currently playing in Malaysian Super League, the top-flight of Malaysian... |
15 |
| 2000 | Annuar Abu Bakar |
Kelantan FA Kelantan FA The Kelantan Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. The team is based in the city of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. They are currently playing in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
12 |
| 2001 | Suharmin Yusuf Shahrin Abdul Majid |
Sabah FA Sabah FA The Football Association of Sabah is a registered football association affiliated with the Football Association of Malaysia. The association's football team competes in Malaysia's football league representing the state of Sabah in Borneo. Sabah FA is a professional football club and one of the 14... |
12 |
| 2002 | Issac Kuffour |
TM FC |
22 |
| 2003 |  Juan Manuel ArosteguiJuan Arostegui Juan Manuel Arostegui is a professional Argentine football player and currently plays for Aldosivi in Primera B Nacional... |
MPPJ FC |
33 |
| 2004 | Brian Diego Fuentes Brian Diego Fuentes Brian Diego Fuentes is a professional Argentine football player who currently plays for Talleres in Argentina. He formerly played for Selangor FA in Malaysian Premier League.He helped Selangor FA won the treble in 2005.-External links:... |
Selangor FA Selangor FA The Football Association of Selangor , commonly referred to as FAS or simply Selangor, competes in Malaysian football competitions representing the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The team is based in Shah Alam city. They are currently playing in Malaysian Super League, the top-flight of Malaysian... |
25 |
| 2005 |  Bambang PamungkasBambang Pamungkas Bambang Pamungkas is an Indonesian footballer who currently plays for Persija Jakarta in the Indonesian Super League and the Indonesia national football team. His natural position is striker... |
Selangor FA Selangor FA The Football Association of Selangor , commonly referred to as FAS or simply Selangor, competes in Malaysian football competitions representing the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The team is based in Shah Alam city. They are currently playing in Malaysian Super League, the top-flight of Malaysian... |
23 |
| 2005-06 Malaysia Premier League 2005-06 Premier League Malaysia 2005-06 is the 3rd edition of Premier League Malaysia. The Premier League Malaysia champions for 2005/2006 were Kedah FA... |
Gustavo Fuentes Gustavo Fuentes Gustavo Fuentes is a former Argentine footballer who plays as a striker. Fuentes has played for some fifteen clubs during his career, which has taken him through several continents.-External links:... |
Malacca FA Malacca FA The Football Association of Malacca enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Malacca. The team is based in Malacca Town. They currently play in the third-tier division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia FAM Cup.... |
18 |
| 2006-07 Malaysia Premier League 2006-07 The Premier League Malaysia 2006-07 season had 11 teams playing for promotion to the expanded Super League Malaysia. The teams were:-* ATM FA Johor FA Kelantan FA KL PLUS FC Kuala Lumpur FA Kuala Muda Naza FC* PDRM FA PKNS FC Sabah FA Shahzan Muda FC... |
 Marin MikacMarin Mikac Marin Mikać is a Croatian football player. He currently plays for NK Orijent in the 2. HNL.-External links:* *... |
UPB MyTeam FC UPB-MyTeam FC For information about the reality TV series, see MyTeam .UPB MyTeam Football Club is a defunct Malaysian soccer club which formerly competed in the top tier of Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
13 |
| 2007-08 Malaysia Premier League 2007-08 The Premier League Malaysia 2007-08 season will have 14 teams battling out for promotion to the recently expanded Super League Malaysia. The teams are:-* Malacca FA¹* PKNS FC* Johor FA* Shahzan Muda FC* Sabah FA* Kuala Lumpur FA* Kelantan FA* ATM FA... |
 Mohamed Moustapha N'diaye |
Kelantan FA Kelantan FA The Kelantan Football Association enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. The team is based in the city of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. They are currently playing in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League... |
27 |
| 2009 Malaysia Premier League 2009 The Premier League Malaysia 2009 was the sixteenth season of the Premier League Malaysia, Malaysia's second tier football league. It began in January 2009 and will have 14 teams playing for promotion to the recently expanded Super League Malaysia.... |
Mohd Haris Safwan Mohd Kamal Mohd Haris Safwan Mohd Kamal Mohd Haris Safwan Mohd Kamal is a Malaysian footballer. He is the former member of Malaysia under-23 team in 2003 until 2005.He currently playing for PBDKT T-Team FC after spending two season with UPB-MyTeam FC... |
T-Team PBDKT T-Team FC Persatuan Bola Sepak Daerah Kuala Terengganu or T-Team is a Malaysian football club based in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. The club currently plays at the Malaysia Super League, the highest tier of the Malaysian League.... |
24 |
| 2010 | Mohammad Zamri Hassan |
PKNS FC PKNS FC Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor Football Club or PKNS FC is a Malaysia club based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. This team is currently playing in the second tier of Malaysian football, the Malaysia Premier League. It is also involved in the Malaysian FA Cup and the Malaysian President's Cup... |
11 |
| 2011 | Mohd Fitri Omar Mohd Fitri Omar Mohd Fitri Omar is a Malaysian professional footballer who plays as a midfield with Muar Municipal Council FC, which he joined from his previous club PKNS FC for the 2011 season... |
Muar Municipal Council FC Muar Municipal Council FC Majlis Perbandaran Muar FC or MP Muar FC is a Malaysian football club based in Muar, Johor. The club represents Majlis Perbandaran Muar in Malaysia football. The club plays in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of the Malaysian League.Their home ground is Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar,... |
16 |