Malaysia Super League - Foreign Players

Foreign Players

The professionalism of some teams have also been questioned. Most Malaysia Super League teams view foreign players as a necessity and as a result, most teams usually fill up their rosters with unknown foreigners. Teams usually sign foreigners based on their performances in pre-season trials. It is not uncommon for foreign players to be released after just two or three matches or be kept on the sidelines for an entire season.

The last case of unprofessional conduct involved Ivan Ziga, a Slovakian player who plays for Sarawak FA. Ivan Ziga claims his contract was terminated nine-months early without any explanation. He also claimed he was not paid. He took his plight to the Football Association of Malaysia but received no reply until Ivan Ziga threatened to take the case to FIFA.

Ivan Ziga's case is not uncommon in Malaysia, with most other cases involving African players who are either not paid or left stranded when their contracts are terminated early without any proper explanation given by teams.

Foreign players are to come back to the league starting from the 2012 season onwards. All foreign players must obtain International Transfer Certificate from their previous national football/soccer governing body that their previous clubs affiliated before they can be register with FAM to plays in Malaysia Super League. Starting from 2013 season onwards, the 1+1 rule will be implemented. The 1+1 rule is mandatory where one Asian player should be included in the team, while the other foreign player may come from any countries subject to law. This rule helps to improve the game and Asian footballers as AFC has made it clear to bringing up the standard of football in Asia.

The early editions of Division 1 League, M-League, Premier 1 League and Malaysia Super League used the same format for foreign players as the previous edition of top layer league in Malaysia, which allows club to have 3 foreign players from any countries without further restrictions. Further up, clubs can employ as many as 4 foreign players and only 3 of them are allowed to play at any one time in a match.