Kuala lumpur: All teams participating in the 2025-2026 Malaysia League (M-League) season are now permitted to register three additional local players, increasing their total squad numbers to 33.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) announced that this decision was made by the MFL Board of Directors during a recent special meeting. The decision came after several clubs, particularly from the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League, applied for an increased quota for local players. The exemption from having developmental teams for the first season and the discontinuation of the MFL Cup for 2025-2026 were key factors in this decision.

The MFL highlighted that the additional player quota aims to provide clubs without developmental teams more options. However, clubs are not obliged to utilize this additional quota. The decision to register extra local players will depend on each club’s needs and financial capabilities, especially considering the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. These regulations limit clubs to spending a maximum of 80 per cent of their annual budget on player salaries.

With the inclusion of three more local players, M-League clubs can now register a total of 33 players, consisting of 18 local players and 15 foreigners. Clubs have until the closing date of the first transfer window on August 31 to register their players. The second transfer window will be open from January 5, 2026, to February 1, 2026.