Malaysian Super League changes foreign player rules, ASEAN players affected

Malaysian Football League (MFL) recently announced significant changes to foreign player quota rules for the Malaysian Super League 2025-2026 season.

The new format limits the number of foreign players on the field to 6+3 (substitutes) — consisting of four open players, one Asian player, and one ASEAN player. This change differs from the previous format that allowed 7+2 players with a composition of four open players, one Asian player, and two ASEAN players.

Ramadhan Sananta — one of the players potentially affected by this restriction, as ASEAN player slots are reduced from two to one player.

MFL emphasizes that this decision aims to create balance within teams and provide greater opportunities for local Malaysian players.

“This is not just about numbers, it’s also about planning,” says Malaysian football observer Datuk Pekan Ramli, who questions the reduction in ASEAN player quota.