Where's the money, MFL?

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) finds itself under scrutiny once again over unpaid merit-based prize money for the 2025-26 Super League season, with clubs complaining of shifting deadlines and lack of accountability. A senior state football official revealed that clubs had been assured the previous season's performance-based payments would be settled before the new season began on August 21, but over a week into the new campaign, the promised funds have yet to arrive.

The official accused the MFL of moving the goalposts whenever it suits them, pointing out the inconsistency in how the league handles financial compliance. While clubs face fines, transfer embargoes, and points deductions for licensing guideline violations or delayed statutory contributions, the MFL remains silent when it fails to fulfill its own financial pledges.

The payment issue has put additional pressure on clubs that had budgeted for the funds to cover pre-season expenses and statutory commitments. The source also highlighted the MFL's administration problems, citing the controversy surrounding KL City's registration issues and the league's handling of the situation. The MFL chief executive officer, Shazli Shaik Mohd, attributed the delay to the finalization of the league's broadcast deal, promising to settle the matter as soon as possible once completed.