AFTER 18 years, the M-League will undergo a major revamp, featuring 18 teams in the Super League from next season.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) will announce details of the revamp after their extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
MFL had conducted comprehensive studies on the leagues in Australia, Saudi Arabia and South Korea and data provided by Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation before coming up with a proper structure.
It is learnt that most clubs have agreed to the revamp.
While MFL's move is good, if they do not address the salary and contract issues in the M-League, the revamp will not do anything positive for Malaysian club football.
In fact, MFL have tried to eradicate salary issues by introducing several steps, but still, there are cases.
However, MFL believe the revised format will take Malaysia's club-football to the next level.
While the Super League will be expanded from 12 to 18 teams, the second tier Premier League will be discontinued to make way for the new Reserve League.
The introduction of the Reserve League will make the M-League a level playing field with all teams having development sides. It will allow Super League teams to promote and demote players for first-team football.
The new look Super League will also be without relegation and promotion.
MFL chief executive officer (CEO) Stuart Ramalingam said the revamp is the next step towards taking the M-League to a higher level.
"We want to bring club football in Malaysia to the next level."
According to Fifa's ruling, clubs must play about 38 matches a season. Currently, Super League teams play 22 games, not including seven from the FA Cup and 11 from the Malaysia Cup, if a club reaches both finals.
With 18 teams, the league will be longer and teams could help their players get more minutes. It is also an economical move as they can utilise all of their players.