PETALING JAYA: Two of Malaysia’s football heavyweights Kedah and Perak face an uncertain future after failing to obtain the National Licence required for participation in the 2025-2026 Super League season.

According to an announcement by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) First Instance Body (FIB), both teams were denied licences due to non-compliance with the financial criteria set out in the MFL Club Licensing Regulations (CLR).

Without the licence, Kedah and Perak are currently ineligible to compete in the upcoming Super League, unless a successful appeal or corrective action is made in time with a new investor set to come in.

It is learnt that Kedah have also applied to play in the A1 Semi-Pro League, while Perak remain a mystery though in the past there were hints that the team would not pull out.

Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the A1 Semi-Pro League under his stewardship could be a platform for both these teams to rebuild and be part of the big league one day.

“We do not want teams, who when they fall, immediately go missing. The A1 League should be a platform for Kedah and Perak to stay alive, to keep fighting,” he said.

“These teams now need the space to breath, rearrange and slowly build their strength. Our hope is to see them in the big league again.”

The MFL FIB confirmed that 11 Super League clubs have successfully obtained their licences, including Johor Darul Ta’zim, Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Pahang and Negri Sembilan.

Pahang’s status in the league seems to be in limbo in the beginning but looks like the Elephants have done a U-turn and will compete in the top division.

However, three clubs were only granted licences with sanctions. They are Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan and Police.

These clubs are required to submit additional financial documentation by May 31. Failure to do so could lead to their licences being revoked.

From the A1 Semi-Pro League, Melaka and Immigration were granted exceptional licences under Article 15 of the MFL CLR, allowing them to compete in the Super League next season.

FIB chairman Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif stressed that licences are only issued to clubs that comply with six key criteria, which are sporting, infrastructure, personnel administration, legal, financial, and business.

“I congratulate all clubs that succeeded and appreciate their efforts in ensuring full compliance with the licensing standards,” he said.

Another team that will be joining the league are Brunei, who officially confirmed on their website that they will be part of the Super League and have signed rightback Fairuz Zakaria from Penang for the Super League challenge.