Melaka FC and Imigresen FC will compete in the 2025/26 Liga Super Malaysia season after receiving top-flight licenses from the Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) First Instance Body (FIB) on May 22.
Melaka FC, successors to the now-defunct Melaka United, secured promotion after winning the 2024/25 Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League, which now serves as the second tier of Malaysian football. Their title win and subsequent licensing approval mark the return of Malacca’s representation in the Liga Super for the first time since 2022.
Imigresen FC, based in Bangi, Selangor, finished runners-up in the A1 League to earn their place in the top division. The club is institutionally owned and managed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
The two sides will be joined by DPMM FC of Brunei Darussalam, who return to Malaysian football after a 17-year absence, having competed in the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League. The Sultanate-backed outfit is among the trio of newcomers for the upcoming season.
A total of eight clubs have been granted full licenses for the 2025/26 campaign: reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, Selangor FC, Sabah FC, Kuching City, Negeri Sembilan FC, Terengganu FC, Penang FC, and Sri Pahang FC — the latter making a dramatic U-turn after initially declaring their intent to withdraw from the Liga Super.
Three additional clubs — Kuala Lumpur City, Kelantan Darul Naim, and PDRM FC (backed by the Royal Malaysian Police) — received conditional licenses. They must submit financial documentation by May 31 to retain their Liga Super status.
Perak FC and Kedah Darul Aman, however, failed to meet licensing requirements and will not participate in next season’s top flight. Nevertheless, both clubs have been offered a place in the A1 League by the Amateur Football League (AFL), which recognized their historical contributions to Malaysian football and is providing a pathway for them to rebuild. Similar offers were previously extended to Kelantan FC during their 2024 financial crisis, and to Melaka and Sarawak United following their licensing setbacks in 2023.
Club licensing assessments are based on six key criteria outlined in the 2024/25 MFL Club Licensing Regulations: sporting, infrastructure, personnel and administration, legal, financial, and commercial. Licenses are valid for one season.