M-League Clubs Need Integrity

As Malaysia's football league, Liga M, prepares for stricter Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations next season, a critical question looms: will these measures be enough? Local football observers, like Associate Professor Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim, argue that without a fundamental shift towards integrity in club management, even the most stringent financial rules will fall short.

The persistent problems of salary arrears and financial instability plaguing Malaysian football for years are stark evidence that management issues remain at the core. Dr. Zulakbal emphasizes that enforcing regulations alone is insufficient if certain parties continue to exploit system weaknesses for personal gain. This points to a deeper cultural issue within some clubs, where transparency and ethical governance are not consistently prioritized.

“

Sekiranya kita melaksanakan FFP sekalipun, kelab-kelab berkemungkinan masih gagal mematuhinya. Kelab perlu bersikap jujur, amanah, dan memastikan kelangsungan tata kelola yang baik.

He advises that clubs need to adopt a more realistic approach to financial management, aligning their spending with their actual capabilities. This prudent approach is essential to prevent financial crises that inevitably impact players, staff, and the overall stability of the team. The focus must shift from merely meeting regulatory requirements to fostering a sustainable financial model from the ground up.

Ultimately, the aspiration to elevate Liga M into a more professional and sustainable league hinges on robust governance and disciplined financial practices. Dr. Zulakbal's insights underscore that true progress requires a commitment to honesty, accountability, and long-term vision from all stakeholders involved in Malaysian football.

“

Undang-undang semata-mata tidak memadai jika masih ada pihak yang mencari kelemahan sistem untuk kepentingan peribadi.