PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Football League (MFL) say they are neither influenced nor pressured by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to increase the number of foreigners for the new Super League season.

Instead, the body strongly feel that with more foreign players, the league will be able to shape local talents into tougher individuals, preparing them to face formidable opponents on the international stage without fear.

This objective is the primary reason behind the introduction of a 15-player foreign quota for next season, refuting claims by certain quarters that the decision was solely influenced by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to help his side in their quest to do well in the continental stages.

MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan clarified that all planning and decisions made by MFL and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) were the result of professional discussions and based on the current needs of local football development.

“Don’t belittle our capabilities in MFL and FAM. This is not a decision by the Regent, as alleged by some,” he said.

Ghani also explained that MFL are now placing greater emphasis on the development of local players who have shown great potential at both club and national levels.

According to him, the focus is not merely on recruiting foreign players, but rather on building a solid foundation through local talent as part of the country’s long-term football blueprint.

“We’re not just looking at promising foreign players. We’re seeing local players starting to compete at a higher level. That’s a positive sign for the long-term development of Harimau Malaya,” he said.

“We want them to be ready to face teams like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others. If they are already competing intensely at club level domestically, that forms a strong foundation.”

The clubs, however, are not obligated to fill the full foreign player quota, as it depends on each club’s needs and financial capability.

The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some parties expressing concern that it could harm the careers of local players in the future.