KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of foreign players in the M-League has failed to raise the standard of local footballers in the country.
Currently, each team in the Super League and Premier League are allowed five foreign signings, but two must be from Asia and Asean.
B. Satiananthan, a former national coach, said the Malaysia Football League (MFL) should reassess the quota for foreigners as local footballers are not getting enough playing time in the league.
“In the professional era, it is important to have foreign players as their presence will help our teams to be more competitive, especially in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club competitions.
“However, teams in the Premier League should only be allowed three foreign signings while the M3 League should only be for local players,” said the Selangor coach.
Satiananthan also proposed that Super League teams should only be allowed to field a maximum of three foreigners when they face Premier League and M3 League clubs in the FA Cup.
“This will create a level playing field and also offer local players, especially those representing Super League clubs, playing time.
“Yes, our national team do not have many quality players because most local footballers do not get enough playing time due to the presence of foreigners.
“However, this could also be solved if teams start hiring quality foreigners who can help locals improve in all aspects,” said the 61-year-old.
He cited forward Safawi Rasid as someone who has improved tremendously with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), who hire only top quality foreign footballers.
“Local players like Safawi, however, should also try their luck in leagues outside Malaysia as it will help them raise their game.
“Asian giants Japan and South Korea are world class as their top players ply their trade in top leagues,” he said.
Satiananthan said the poor selection of foreign players by clubs was also affecting the quality of the league.
While admitting that the poor selection rests with coaches and management, he stressed that coaches are not able to plan for the future as most are offered short-term contracts by their teams.
“When coaches, on yearly contracts, are expected to produce immediate results, they do not plan ahead. With longer contracts, coaches can send out their scouts or assistant coaches to look for the best players.
“But with time not on their side, they have to depend on videos, CVs, recommendations by agents and short trials to decide on foreign signings.
A total of 81 foreigners (including mid-season transfer window) were signed by Super League teams this year, encompassing 20.60 per cent of the 378 registered players.
It is understood that some teams spend more than RM20 million a season on foreign signings.
PKNS coach K. Rajagobal believes the quota for foreign players should be reviewed and that the mid-season transfer window should be scrapped.
“Foreign players are good for the league if they are of top quality. These players can impart their knowledge and professionalism to the locals and also attract fans to stadiums,” said the former national coach.
Foreign players started playing in Malaysia when the Semi-Pro League was introduced in 1989. In the first season, there were 34 foreign signings, followed by 45 (1990 and 1991), 48 (1992, 1993 and 1994), 47 (1995), 32 (1996), 55 (1997) and 51 (1998).
However, the quota for foreign players has been changed several times in the last decade.
Foreign players were banned from the league from 2009 to 2011 before two signings were allowed in the following season.
The number increased to three in 2013. The following season, teams were allowed four foreign signings but only three were allowed on the field during matches.
The ban on foreign players (between 2009-11) saw Malaysia winning the 2009 Laos Sea Games and the 2010 AFF Cup titles under Rajagobal.
Former international Bhawandi Hiral said: “A majority of officials want foreign players in the league.
“They believe the presence of foreigners will attract fans and also elevate the standard of the league.
“But nobody talks about exposing the local players and also improving the standard of our national team.
“Currently, only a few teams are managed professionally. JDT head the list of best-managed teams in the M-League,” said the member of the 1972 Munich Olympic team.