JDT-led Asian success lifts Malaysia into AFC’s top 10

Malaysia's ascent to the 10th position in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Club Competition Rankings highlights the growing competitiveness of the nation's football on the Asian stage. MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan highlighted the improvement, stating it reflected the enhanced performance of local football clubs in Asian competitions due to consistent representation by the country in continental tournaments.

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) was among the key contributors to the positive change through their steady performances in Asia's premier competitions. This development carries significant importance as it enables Malaysia to assess its league and demonstrates the global community's acceptance of the league, particularly in Asia. It also indicates that Malaysia's league is becoming an attractive option for players, according to Hassan.

Ab Ghani made the announcement following the Exchange of Sponsorship Agreement Documents ceremony between Bubble O2 and the MFL. Bubbles O2 executive chairman Datuk Arifin Marzuki, Bubbles O2 CEO Abdul Aziz Arifin, and MFL CEO Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd were present at the ceremony. Reports had previously suggested that Malaysia had earned 40.809 points from the performances of the country's representatives in Asian club competitions last season, which propelled the country from 11th to 10th in Asia, surpassing China.

Ab Ghani emphasized that the improved ranking would offer more opportunities for local teams to compete at the highest level in Asia, but each club must have clear and consistent plans to elevate the standard of football in the country.