12 teams in Super League acceptable if clubs are healthy: observer

Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli, a local sports observer, has stated that the decision to maintain 12 teams in the Super League is justifiable, provided that all competing clubs are financially sound and well-managed. He emphasized that the number of teams is less critical than ensuring each club's stability throughout the demanding season.

"Twelve teams are better if they are all problem-free. There's no point having many teams if issues like salary arrears and management problems arise, affecting the league's credibility," Pekan explained. He added that a league with fewer teams, such as eight or ten, could still function effectively if those clubs are stable and capable of meeting their commitments.

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Twelve teams are better if they are all problem-free. There's no point having many teams if issues like salary arrears and management problems arise, affecting the league's credibility.

Pekan recalled past seasons where a larger number of teams did not guarantee a smooth competition, citing instances where clubs failed to fulfill their obligations to players and staff. He noted that some teams, despite initial assurances of strong sponsorship, ultimately could not honor their promises.

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Previously, we had more teams, but various issues, especially salary arrears, still emerged. Some teams assured sponsors and sufficient finances at the start of the season, but these promises remained unfulfilled.

"Previously, we had more teams, but various issues, especially salary arrears, still emerged. Some teams assured sponsors and sufficient finances at the start of the season, but these promises remained unfulfilled," he said. Pekan distinguished between potential funding sources and committed funds, highlighting that many teams rely on the former, which offers less certainty.

Therefore, Pekan concluded, the focus must be on ensuring that every competing club is genuinely competitive, financially stable, and capable of fulfilling its responsibilities throughout the season. The Malaysian Football League (MFL) recently announced that 12 clubs would compete in the 2026-2027 Super League season, kicking off on August 21. Several clubs have confirmed their participation, while the status of PDRM FC is pending a decision from the First Instance Body (FIB).

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Therefore, what is more important now is to ensure that every club that competes is truly competitive, stable financially, and capable of fulfilling their responsibilities throughout the season.