KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Football League (MFL) remains firm on its regulations regarding foreign player registration in the Super League, with no exemptions expected for any club.
This comes in response to frustration from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) fans on social media after MFL ruled that their new Spanish trio – Jonathan Viera, Roque Mesa, and Álvaro González – cannot compete in the ongoing Super League season.
Their reactions were sparked by a Spanish media report suggesting that the three La Liga veterans would only be eligible to play in the AFC Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), not the domestic league.
Scoop’s checks confirm that the report aligns with MFL’s foreign player quota, which permits clubs to register a maximum of nine foreign players in the Super League.
However, an amendment was made for clubs competing in AFC and AFF tournaments – including JDT, Selangor FC, Terengganu FC, and Kuala Lumpur City FC – allowing them to register up to 12 foreign players.
This decision was made following a proposal by JDT, in accordance with Article 3 of the Malaysian League Manual 2024-2025, and was approved by MFL stakeholders.
Currently, JDT have 21 foreign players, including the new Spanish signings, and have already filled their quota for the ongoing Super League season.
MFL CEO Giorgio Pompili Rossi said that all clubs are aware of the regulations and that no exceptions would be made due to fan pressure.
“The rules are clear, and all the football clubs are very well aware of them. They can sign as many foreign players as they wish, but we are strict with our decisions and will only allow them to register nine, or maybe 12 if they are competing in AFC or AFF-sanctioned tournaments.
“As CEO, I am aware of the reports circulating, including those from Spanish media. It’s simple: JDT have no available foreign player slots for the current M-League, which is why their new signings cannot play this season.
“AFC has different regulations regarding foreign player signings for the ACLE, and that has nothing to do with MFL. I hope fans from all clubs can understand the process,” he told Scoop.
Unlike the MFL, the AFC imposes no foreign player quota, allowing clubs to register as many as they wish for its competitions.
JDT’s Spanish trio will join a squad already featuring several compatriots, including defenders Jordi Amat and Christian Abad, goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre, and midfielder Juan Muniz.
After six matches, JDT are on course to reach the ACLE Round of 16, where eight of the 12 East Region teams will advance.
They currently sit sixth with eight points, behind Yokohama F. Marinos (13), Gwangju (13), Vissel Kobe (13), Kawasaki Frontale (12), and Pohang Steelers (nine).
JDT’s final two group matches are against Central Coast Mariners in Australia on 11 February and Pohang Steelers at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on 18 February. — February 4, 2025