For the 2024–2025 season, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) allowed each team to register up 10 foreign players, eight from any nationality, one from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and one from other Southeast Asian countries. In each match, clubs were permitted to register six foreign players using a 4-1-1 ratio, along with one on the bench.

Ahead of the 2025–2026 season, MSL expanded the foreign player cap to 15, with 12 from any country, one from the AFC and two from ASEAN.

“The presence of foreign players undoubtedly enhances the league’s appeal, but the MFL’s core agenda remains the development of local talent to support the FA of Malaysia and strengthen the national team,” MFL said.

However, the decision has drawn mixed reactions. Football expert Datuk Pekan Ramli said the policy needs to be evaluated carefully.

“This isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about planning,” Ramli told New Straits Times. “Removing the second ASEAN player from the on-field quota appears neutral, but it may shift the balance in subtle ways that favor certain teams.”

The timing has also raised eyebrows, as the rule change comes just over three weeks before the new season kicks off on Aug. 8.

“Not all teams have the flexibility to adapt quickly in terms of squad depth or tactics,” Ramli added.

Last season, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) were the only team to register 10 foreign players and went on to win their 11th straight title. JDT, owned by Tunku Ismail Idris, the Crown Prince of Johor, are widely regarded as the richest club in Malaysia. In contrast, clubs like PDRM and Selangor registered nine, while the remaining 11 teams had between one and seven foreign players.

While the number of foreign players allowed per match has not increased this season, teams like JDT now have five additional options to rotate, deepening the strength gap. JDT have also recruited four players of Malaysian descent, all playing for the national team: Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal and Nacho Mendez.

The reduction of one Southeast Asian slot was to create more opportunities for local players. However, Ramli believes this change could hurt smaller clubs.

“For smaller teams, the removal of that extra ASEAN slot could represent a lost opportunity to maintain squad balance. Stronger clubs may now bring in higher-quality imports instead,” Ramli said.

The 2025–2026 MSL season runs from Aug. 8, 2025 to May 16, 2026, with 13 teams participating. The odd number results from Sri Pahang’s withdrawal due to financial difficulties.

Malaysia are not alone in facing foreign players issue. Indonesia’s Liga 1 has also drawn criticism for the cap of 11 foreign players, eight of whom can play per match. Vietnam’s V. League is currently deciding whether to allow all four registered foreign players on the pitch or only three with one reserve.

Meanwhile, Thai League 1 allows each team to register seven foreign players of any nationality, with no cap on Southeast Asian players.