KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has denied that they are "going soft" on errant clubs.
Instead, MFL claimed that they are taking stern action against repeat offenders and those not show seriousness in striving towards sustainability.
MFL is saying it again — they will no longer tolerate issues of unpaid salaries that mar the league's image.
After Perlis United failed to secure a licence to compete in the 2024-2025 season, there is now speculation that the 13-team Super League could even be further reduced to just 11 teams.
This can happen if Kedah and KL City are barred from the Super League for failure to pay salaries to players last season.
Kedah and KL City have been given until the end of this month to pay up or risk losing their Super League licences.
"We have asked for documents to be submitted. And based on that, we followed steps like what we've done to Kedah and KL City.
"We will not compromise because in the past, we have refused teams like Sarawak United, Kelantan, and Melaka United (their national licences).
"We are not going soft, we are ensuring the league's competitiveness and want it to be respected," said MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan.
Ghani said there is no second chance for Perlis United as they had failed to meet their deadlines.
"Up to March 15, the criteria (letter of intent, agreement of salary payments between club, players and officials, payments and its proof) weren't fulfilled, and from there, the FIB (First Instance Body) has decided not to grant Perlis United a licence."