As the national football league season nears its end, it’s clear that the overall performance has been far from convincing. Even more troubling are the rumors circulating within the football community about a particular club that hasn’t paid its players since the start of the season. These claims, though not officially confirmed, have ignited widespread concern, highlighting deeper issues about how clubs are managed and, more crucially, how players are treated. At the heart of this conversation lies a critical tension: How can we encourage women’s participation in football while ensuring their welfare is prioritized?
The team at the center of this controversy has a dismal track record, particularly in terms of player treatment. Whether in the men’s or women’s game, this club has been notorious for its failures to honor its commitments. This recent episode raises a pressing question: Who is responsible for allowing a club with such a history to compete? Is it the Football Association, the club itself, or even the players, who might feel trapped in a system with limited options? Women’s football in Malaysia is still in its infancy, and already we’re seeing the same mismanagement issues that have plagued the men’s game for years. If we are truly committed to developing the sport, why are we repeating the same mistakes?
The Football Association, which has overseen the league for several years, faces its own challenges. Attracting teams to participate in the women’s league is no easy task, particularly given the financial strain that comes with running a football club. But does this excuse inviting any team simply to meet a participation quota? The Association has often spoken of its goal to develop women’s football over the next few years, to elevate the game and provide opportunities for women to shine. But how does exposing players to financial risk and uncertainty achieve that?
The women’s game operates in a vastly different financial landscape from the men’s. There are no big ticket sales, no multimillion-dollar sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales are limited. This makes the business side of running a women’s team especially challenging. But the solution cannot be to sacrifice player welfare in the name of participation. Players must not have to face the indignity of unpaid wages or financial insecurity when they are dedicating themselves to the sport.
The current state of affairs raises difficult but necessary questions. Is this about true development, or are we merely creating the illusion of progress to appear inclusive? While increasing the number of teams and players in the league is important, it should not come at the expense of player well-being. Women's football in Malaysia deserves more than token gestures of support. The players deserve a system that ensures their hard work and dedication are rewarded—on and off the pitch.
To ensure genuine progress, the Football Association must implement stricter due diligence before allowing clubs to compete. Clubs should be required to prove their financial stability before the season begins, possibly through financial audits or by placing an upfront deposit to guarantee players' salary. This step, though stringent, would help prevent scenarios where players are left unpaid, ensuring a minimum standard of player welfare.
While it’s essential to grow the sport and encourage participation, the long-term sustainability of women’s football depends on creating a safe, supportive environment for players. The focus shouldn’t just be on filling up league slots to meet a quota but on fostering a league where women can thrive—both as athletes and as professionals. If we continue to make the same mistakes we’ve seen in the men’s game, the players, and ultimately the future of women’s football, will suffer the consequences.
To move forward, the Association must be proactive and creative in finding solutions. They could explore alternative revenue streams, such as better sponsorship deals or partnerships that promote both the league and the players. It’s also time to establish transparent financial regulations that protect the welfare of players, ensuring that clubs unable to meet these standards are held accountable.
Women’s participation in football is vital—not just for the sport but for the empowerment of women in Malaysia. But participation must go hand in hand with player welfare. We can’t claim to support women’s football if we’re unwilling to ensure the security and dignity of those who play. The future of women’s football in Malaysia depends on making the right choices today: prioritizing not just the growth of the game, but the well-being of every player who steps onto the field.