12 teams confirmed for Malaysian A1 Semi-Pro League

The Malaysian A1 Semi-Pro League for the 2025-2026 season is set to commence in late July and conclude in May 2026, with 12 teams officially confirmed to participate. The league is expected to be more exciting this season, drawing increased interest from local football fans.

The confirmed lineup includes four new teams, five existing teams, and three “feeder” teams.

Confirmed Teams

Amateur Football League (AFL) Chairman, Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, announced the 12 confirmed teams after an AFL Board of Directors meeting in Shah Alam:

• Armed Forces FC
• Manjung City FC
• Imigresen FC II
• Johor Darul Ta’zim II
• Selangor FC II
• Kelantan WTS FC
• Kedah FA
• Machan FC
• Kelantan Red Warriors FC
• Bunga Raya FC
• Malaysian University
• Persatuan Bolasepak Perak (PAFA)

Conditional approvals and future prospects

Mohd Yusoff also stated that three additional teams have been granted conditional approval to join the league this season:

• Kedah Darul Aman (KDA)
• Guar Syed Alwi (GSA FC)
• Seoul Phoenix FC (South Korea), based in the Klang Valley.

These three teams have until June 15, 2025, to fulfill the remaining criteria and documentation. The AFL’s initial plan was to have up to 14 competing teams. If these conditionally approved teams meet all requirements, the league size will expand. Otherwise, the AFL is prepared to proceed with the 12 already-confirmed teams.

There are also two teams on the waiting list, UM-Damansara FC and Ipoh City FC, who could be considered if there’s a need to complete the team roster. They have undergone a similar process but still have outstanding criteria to meet.

Recap of Last Season

Last season, Melaka FC emerged as champions, with Imigresen FC securing the second spot. Both teams earned direct promotion to the Super League for the current season based on their performance.

Machan FC which is a team based in Sarawak, finished 14th out of 15th teams.