Malaysian League announce major changes for 2016

The Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP)  yesterday announced some major changes in the Malaysian Football League during the Liga Super and Liga Premier briefing, signalling the move of league towards privatization.

Among the massive changes are the duration of the league which will run from February until October. The league and any other matches under FMLLP will also not resume during the month of Ramadan, ensuring all teams get a one month break during the fasting season.

Aside from that,  the prestigious Malaysia Cup will also not be played after the league season has ended, as FMLLP has decided to play the tournament during the league season. No clear mention was made about the format just yet, but this is indeed something new as the Malaysia Cup would only be played after the leagues in Malaysia have been completed, pitting the top teams in Malaysia.

Other changes that took center stage is the awarding of grants to clubs in the M-League with RM1 million promised to every participating team in Liga Super, and RM500,000 for those in the Liga Premier.

A brief mention was also given about the transfer window which will now take place in January and June.  The decision to move the transfer window is said to be made after consultation from numerous experts on the field, and advices from football league managements around the world.

FMLLP also made three important ruling concerning health of the players by making it compulsory for every team playing in a match to have a team doctor present, and an Automated External Defibrillator available. A Class A ambulance must also be made available at the venue. According to FMLLP, if one of the three terms were not met, the game will not be played.

The briefing for the Liga Super and Liga Premier continues today.