KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed the introduction of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations ahead of the 2024 Super League season.
MFL believes this initiative will bring them closer to resolving the longstanding issue of salary woes, a major problem in Malaysian football.
In Europe, FFP prevents professional football clubs from spending more than they earn, safeguarding their financial stability and long-term survival.
MFL CEO Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said: "We are in the process of introducing a hybrid version of FFP and discussing how it can be integrated into the Super League.
"The Malaysian version of FFP will differ from the one implemented in Europe. Malaysia's football landscape is different, and we cannot simply replicate the European model.
"In Europe, some big clubs have still found ways to breach FFP regulations by underreporting expenses, making it clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution."
To date, Kedah and KL City have publicly acknowledged their wage payment delays, and it is known that Sabah and Kelantan are facing similar issues.
In the meantime, the football community will have to exercise patience as the MFL and the First Instance Body (FIB) finalise the official list of teams that have successfully earned a club licence for next year's Super League.
The delay may be attributed to FIB's decision to grant "leeway" to several clubs, thus extending the submission deadline.
"Six (M3 League) teams have also applied, although none have completed the process.
"FIB is responsible for making decisions on club licensing, while MHL only compiles the documents submitted by the teams."