[OFF THE POST] Foreigners are no longer welcome in Malaysia’s pro leagues. In an effort to improve the national team’s standard of play and reduce clubs’ burgeoning debt, the Football Association of Malaysia has decided to make its Super League a strictly domestic organization. FA Deputy President Khairy Jamaluddin explained the decision:
"The council felt that with the presence of foreign players, local players have not been given the opportunity. We are back to the drawing board, our focus now will be development. We are not at the status of the English Premier League. Our league is not matured yet, therefore some drastic measures must be taken to improve it."
Financial strains also played a role in the FA’s unanimous decision.
"Many are having problems paying salaries and they can’t cope, so it is best that we do away with foreign players until the problems are solved," a council member told reporters.
The Super League may struggle for goals, as seven of the 10 top goalscorers this past season were foreign.