Rules &
Regulations

The competition is named the Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL).

These Regulations govern all matters involving the rights, roles and responsibilities of FAM, teams, officials and players taking part. FAM has full authority to amend any provision without notice to or consultation with any party.

These Regulations, together with any related directives, decisions, guidelines and circulars issued by FAM, are binding on all parties, whether in connection with participation or with preparation for the competition.

All rights and ownership interests relating to the competition not specifically allocated under these Regulations remain the property of FAM.

Any reference to the FAM Statutes, FAM Disciplinary Code, or any FAM, AFC or FIFA regulation means the version currently in force.

FAM, through JKF, manages the competition. JKF has absolute authority to delegate part of its responsibilities to any party.

The General Secretariat is responsible for the administration and management of the competition.

Each team wishing to compete must meet the conditions in the Entry Form and submit it before the published closing date.

FAM has absolute authority to add, remove or replace team entries.

A team entered in the competition must play every fixture listed in the match schedule.

If a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition, FAM is responsible for deciding the outcome, which may include:

A withdrawing team may also be:

A team is considered to have withdrawn if it:

The team may face actions including but not limited to:

All matches must be played to the schedule set by FAM.

Any change to the schedule requires FAM approval.

FAM has absolute authority to amend the schedule at any time.

The men's competition is played as follows:

Match format:

Points scoring:

Each team also accrues fair-play points for cards received:

The league stage is played in two (2) rounds, with all teams competing.

Final positions are determined in the following order:

Teams finishing 1st to 6th in the league qualify for the Play-Off round.

Teams finishing 1st and 2nd qualify directly for the Play-Off Semi-Finals.

Teams finishing 3rd to 6th compete in the Play-Off knockout round to determine the remaining semi-final slots.

All matches are played under the current FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game.

If there is a question of interpretation, the English-language version of the Laws is the final reference.

Only the nine (9) substitutes registered on the Team List (per 5-6) are eligible to take part. There is no limit on the number of substitutions a team may make.

If at any point in a match a team has fewer than three (3) players on court (including one goalkeeper), the match is declared unable to continue and 4-3 applies.

Any team that delays the start of the first or second half may face disciplinary action.

Each team may request one (1) one-minute time-out per half.

If a match cannot start as scheduled, the following procedure applies:

For matches cancelled due to force majeure, JKF must decide within two (2) hours of the Referee's decision and take whatever action it deems appropriate.

If JKF concludes the cancellation was NOT due to force majeure, it may take action against the responsible party.

All JKF decisions under 4-3-2 and 4-3-3 are final and not subject to appeal.

If a match is stopped by the Referee (other than under 4-1-4):

For matches that cannot continue due to force majeure, JKF must decide within two (2) hours and take appropriate action.

If JKF rules the match must be rescheduled and resumed, the following principles apply:

The Disciplinary Code applies to any party found responsible for causing the match to be stopped (JKTT enforcement).

If a match is stopped before the end of normal or extra time because one team is unable to field a minimum of three (3) players on court, the match is declared unable to continue and the win is awarded to the other team 5-0, or by the score at the time of stoppage — whichever is higher.

All JKF decisions under 4-4-2 to 4-4-4 are final and not subject to appeal.

The Referee may stop a match if the pitch is unfit for play, or for any other matter inconsistent with the Futsal Laws of the Game.

With FAM's approval, the Referee may stop a match if safety inside the stadium is compromised, including any sign of risk to teams, match officials and/or spectators.

If a match is stopped before the end of regular or extra time, the following recommendations apply. Play must resume from the minute it was stopped.

If a competing team has fewer than three (3) players (including one goalkeeper) before kick-off for any reason, the team is deemed unable to play.

The match is declared unable to continue and the win awarded to the other team 5-0.

The defaulting team is held responsible and considered to have withdrawn from the competition. In specific cases, where rescheduling does not affect the published schedule, JKF may grant an exception and allow the match to be rescheduled.

FAM determines competition venues after inspection and assessment.

Venues and pitches must meet FAM's safety and control standards, guidelines, directives or circulars.

All technical areas — including the pitch, technical area, changing rooms and surrounding areas — are designated non-smoking zones.

No more than six (6) registered officials and nine (9) registered substitutes may occupy the team bench during a match.

Bench occupants must wear their accreditation card at all times.

Everyone on the bench must wear clothing that contrasts with the players' kit and the referees' kit.

The Referee may order anyone on the bench to wear a bib if necessary.

In the first half, the home team (PTR) occupies the bench to the left when facing the pitch from the Timekeeper's bench, switching at half-time and again in extra time if applicable.

Each participating team may warm up on the pitch before the match, subject strictly to the official countdown.

During the match, no more than five (5) players per team may warm up simultaneously, without a ball, behind their team's bench. They may be assisted by one registered bench official.

The MCM is held at the match venue the day before each Circuit, on Friday at 3:00 pm, in person or as decided by FAM.

Required attendees:

Parties failing to attend may face action under 4-10-2.

The GC provides the Team Selection List to both teams.

Each team must bring at least two (2) sets of jerseys, shorts and socks for players and goalkeepers, plus bibs, to the MCM. The Referee decides the kit colours and the decision is final.

Subject to pitch availability, each team may hold one sixty (60) minute official training session on the official pitch the day before the match.

Neither PTR nor PL may stage friendly matches in any venue, during official training or any other activity in the stadium, in the day before match day.

Only the match ball provided by FAM may be used during play.

Participating teams must use their own Puma-branded balls for warm-ups and during half-time.

Each team must include at least these officials:

Each team must register no fewer than fourteen (14) players, including three (3) goalkeepers, and no more than twenty-five (25) players. Three (3) players under 19 years of age must be registered.

For approved registrations, accreditation cards with basic details and a photograph of each delegation member are issued.

Accreditation cards remain FAM property at all times. The General Secretariat has absolute authority to withdraw, cancel or temporarily suspend any accreditation card, including but not limited to cases of misuse.

Each team must register officials in accordance with 5-4.

Head Coach licensing:

Assistant Coach: minimum AFC Futsal Coaching Certificate Level 1.

Goalkeeper Coach: minimum AFC Goalkeeper Coaching Certificate Level 1 or AFC Futsal Coaching Certificate Level 1.

Fitness Coach: minimum AFC Futsal Coaching Certificate Level 1 or a recognised Sports Science Diploma.

Foreign Head Coaches must submit the RECC form and AFC Futsal Coaching Certificate (or equivalent) for the position being registered.

Doctors and medical officers must be properly certified and qualified.

Physiotherapists must be certified and hold at least a Diploma in Physiotherapy.

Officials must be free of any suspension imposed by FAM, AFC or FIFA.

Only an identity card or international passport is accepted as an official's identity document.

Officials must have proof of personal accident, hospital and medical insurance cover.

Approval of registration does not automatically render an official eligible. It is the team's responsibility to ensure the official's eligibility remains valid throughout the competition; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

An official is deemed ineligible if they breach or fail to comply with 5-2-1 to 5-2-13.

Each team must register players in accordance with 5-4.

A team may register up to two (2) foreign players (open category), provided they are 18 or older.

Players must be free of any suspension imposed by FAM, AFC or FIFA.

Player transfers are governed by the FAM Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

Only an identity card or international passport is accepted as a player's identity document.

Approval of registration does not automatically render a player eligible. It is the team's responsibility to ensure eligibility remains valid throughout the competition; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

A player is deemed ineligible if they breach or fail to comply with 5-3-1 to 5-3-9.

Teams submit their entry confirmation form, team officials' registration form, and player registration form, with complete supporting documents, to the General Secretariat via MyPAS within the windows set by FAM.

Each registration window opens on a date set and notified by FAM.

Players may only play after their accreditation card has been validated by FAM.

Registrations must include the following:

Any failure to comply with 5-4-1 to 5-4-5 means the team is excluded from the competition; for officials or players, the relevant registration is automatically cancelled.

Replacement of team officials is permitted throughout the competition, provided the replacement registration meets 5-2 and 5-4.

No additional registration or player replacement is permitted after the registration window closes, except for goalkeepers in cases of serious injury confirmed by a FAM-appointed medical officer.

At the MCM, the GC issues the Team Selection List to each team. Each team must name no more than five (5) starting players, no more than nine (9) substitutes, and no more than six (6) team officials. At least two (2) goalkeepers must be listed. The captain and goalkeeper must be identified on the list, which must be returned to the GC at least ninety (90) minutes before kick-off.

On receiving the Team Selection List from both teams, the GC issues the Team List. The names of the fourteen (14) players registered on the Team List are final and cannot be substituted.

Subject to 5-6-1, changes between starters/captain and named substitutes on the Team List may still be made up until kick-off, provided the GC is notified beforehand.

The GC and Third Referee check player accreditation cards alongside the team jerseys declared at the MCM.

Only the Team List signed by the GC after inspection and verification may be officially distributed, no later than sixty (60) minutes before kick-off.

Both teams must be in the city closest to the venue before the MCM begins. Both teams confirm this at the MCM.

All arrangements and costs for transport, accommodation, meals and related expenses are each team's responsibility.

The home team (PTR) pays the allowances of appointed match officials — Match Coordinator (GC), Match Commissioner (MC, if any), Referee Assessor, Referee 1, Referee 2, Timekeeper and Referee 3 — at FAM-set rates covering travel, accommodation, meals and/or related duties.

FAM reimburses the PTR for payments made to the Referee Assessor, Referee 1, Referee 2, Timekeeper and Referee 3. Proof of payment must be submitted to FAM.

Only official broadcaster photographers and camera operators issued a FAM accreditation card or media bib are allowed between the pitch perimeter and the spectator area.

Other media may only work from the media tribune designated by FAM or the LOC.

Media are strictly prohibited from entering team changing rooms at any stage.

Failure to comply with 7-1-1 to 7-1-3 may result in withdrawal of the accreditation card or media bib.

The LOC must give the FAM official broadcaster full cooperation to set up equipment and other technical requirements at least one day before to one day after the match.

The LOC is responsible for fully protecting FAM's media, broadcast and commercial rights.

Official training sessions must be open to media.

If a team requests a closed session, the first fifteen (15) minutes must still be open to media.

Media positioning is the same as on match day.

If FAM stages a pre-match press conference, each team's head coach and (if required) one player must attend at the time, date and venue set by FAM.

If FAM stages a post-match press conference, each team's head coach and (if required) one player who took part in the match must attend within fifteen (15) minutes of the final whistle.

FAM may take action against any head coach and/or player who refuses to attend press conferences required under 7-3-1 and 7-3-2.

Team officials and players must pass through the mixed zone, the designated path between the team changing room and the team bus, after the match.

FAM may take action against team officials and/or players who bypass the mixed zone.

If required by FAM, teams must make the head coach and (if required) one player available for a pre-match interview recorded by the official broadcaster.

If required by FAM, teams must ensure the head coach and (if required) one player are also available for a flash interview at the time set.

Interview and flash-interview locations are set by FAM, the official broadcaster or the Media Officer (MO).

FAM may take action against team officials and/or players who fail to attend as required under 7-5-1 and 7-5-2.

For matches broadcast live or recorded by the official broadcaster (or its appointed representative), no other party may record the match.

Television stations that are not the official broadcaster may only record footage for news purposes.

The official broadcaster gets priority for the most strategic camera and equipment positions.

The PTR must provide FAM with one (1) full-match video recording if the match is not recorded by the official broadcaster.

The recording must be delivered to a FAM representative within two (2) hours of the final whistle. If no FAM representative is present, it must be sent by express post no later than the next working day.

Each team must have at least two (2) sets of player jerseys and three (3) sets of goalkeeper jerseys in different colours, and must declare the colour set worn at home. The home team (PTR) is the one listed first in the fixture; the visiting team (PL) must wear a different colour from the PTR.

If colours clash because the PTR is not wearing its declared colour, the PTR must change. If colours clash because the PL is wearing the same colour as the PTR, the PL must change. If no solution is found, the colour decision made at the MCM is final and binding.

The PL must bring two (2) jersey sets to every match.

Goalkeeper jerseys must be a different colour from outfield players. The starting and substitute goalkeepers wear the same jersey colour, but with different numbers.

Jersey number 1 is reserved for a goalkeeper only.

Players must wear only their registered jersey number. Numbers 1 to 22 are available to all players; 23 to 25 are reserved for under-19s. Front jersey numbers must be 10–15 cm tall, back numbers 25–35 cm tall, and numbers on the right or left of the shorts 10–15 cm.

Each player's registered number is permanent until that player is removed from the registration.

Players registered as replacements may be assigned a new number or one freed from a previously deregistered player, subject to 8-1-6.

Players wearing a different number from their registered one will face disciplinary action.

If a team wishes to play powerplay with five (5) outfield players, the extra player must be declared a goalkeeper and wear the same colour as the goalkeeper jersey but with their registered player number and name, per the published guidelines.

Each team must bring two (2) sets of bibs for players and bench officials on match day.

Names printed on jerseys must be the player's full name. Nicknames are not allowed.

FAM issues special ticket terms and conditions binding on all ticket holders, including teams; these must be communicated to all relevant parties.

The PTR must include all official MPFL sponsor logos on every printed ticket.

The LOC must provide each PL free of charge:

The LOC must allocate at least seven percent (7%) of stadium capacity for purchase by PL supporters, in a dedicated and stewarded area, for matches involving the PTR. For matches not involving the PTR, this is subject to written request from both competing teams to the PTR and FAM at least 14 days before the match.

Bookings must be made by formal request from the PL to the PTR (LOC) at least fourteen (14) days before the match. Late requests forfeit the allocation.

These tickets cannot be sold below the FAM-set minimum price.

FAM may take action against any LOC that fails to comply with 9-3-1 to 9-3-3.

The LOC must allocate at least fifteen percent (15%) of stadium capacity across various categories free of charge to FAM and FAM commercial partners.

The LOC is responsible for distributing them to the partners' official representatives no later than seven (7) days before the match.

FAM may take action against any LOC that fails to comply with 9-4-1 and 9-4-2.

For every match day, the LOC must provide at the venue:

FAM may take action against any LOC that fails to comply with 10-1-1.

Doping is strictly prohibited. FAM, through its appointed body, may carry out random doping tests on players at any identified match.

Procedures and requirements follow FAM's current standards.

The FAM Sports Medicine Committee is responsible for approving the WADA-accredited laboratory that analyses all doping samples.

The LOC must ensure adequate security at the venue, including but not limited to:

FAM may take action against any LOC that fails to comply with 11-1-1.

FAM owns all rights, naming rights and interests related to the competition, including all commercial, intellectual property and proprietary rights, the right to exploit all images, public displays and merchandise rights — past, present and future — and holds all rights related to use and/or licensing at every level.

FAM holds all rights related to collateral and publications, including but not limited to the official match-day programme, official magazine, signage guide and official posters.

FAM owns and/or controls all rights, naming rights and interests in competition marks and naming rights, and holds all rights related to use and/or licensing at every level.

FAM is responsible for all advertising and branding matters.

FAM has the right to use and exploit all rights, naming rights and interests in competition data, and holds all rights related to use and/or licensing at every level.

Any use or proposed use of competition data must have FAM's written approval, except where the use has no commercial value.

All disciplinary and appeal matters are governed by the FAM Statutes, the Disciplinary Code (2015 edition) and any relevant FAM Circular in force from time to time.

FAM may introduce new disciplinary measures and sanctions for the competition at any time.

Teams are responsible for monitoring the yellow and red cards received by their officials and players, and for ensuring all registered or listed officials and players are free of any suspension.

All officials and players agree to:

A player/official receiving three (3) yellow cards in separate league matches is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match.

A player/official receiving a red card (direct or as a result of two yellows in the same match) is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match.

A player/official receiving a red card (direct or as a result of two yellows in the same match) is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match if the team progresses to the knockout stage. If not, the suspension carries over to the following MPFL season.

Further to 13-2-3, depending on the severity of the offence, players receiving a direct red card may face additional JKTT action.

A player/official under suspension is barred from:

One (1) or two (2) yellow cards received during the league stage do NOT carry over into the Play-Off stage.

A third yellow card (if any) in the final league match DOES carry over into the Play-Off.

A player/official receiving two (2) yellow cards in separate Play-Off matches is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match.

A player/official receiving a red card (direct or via two yellows in the same match) is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match.

A player/official receiving a red card (direct or via two yellows in the same match) is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match. If MPFL 2026 has ended and the suspension cannot be served, it carries over into the following season.

Further to 13-3-4, depending on severity, a player receiving a direct red card may face additional JKTT action.

A player/official under suspension is barred from:

Any team official ordered to leave the team bench is automatically suspended for the next one (1) match. JKTT may impose further suspension for serious incidents.

Be submitted in writing on the Protest Form to the Match Coordinator (GC) / Match Commissioner (MC) within two (2) hours of the end of the match.

Be followed by a full written report, including a copy of the original protest form together with video, evidence or a clear explanation of the incident, sent to the MPFL Secretariat by email (competitions@fam.org.my) within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the match.

Be accompanied by a non-refundable payment of RM1,000 within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the match by e-banking, with a copy of the payment slip submitted in the name of the Football Association of Malaysia.

FAM Bank Account Details

Protests against player eligibility (including players ineligible due to ongoing suspension) follow these principles:

No protest may be made against matters of fact decided by the Referee during the match; these decisions are final.

Any protest that does not fully comply with these Regulations will not be entertained.

JKTT may fine any party found to have filed a frivolous or irresponsible protest.

JKTT decides on protests. It may refer protests to MPFL for operational decisions.

FAM sets the prize money for the competition and any other awards.

The champion receives the rotating trophy and may keep it for three (3) months from the date of winning. After three (3) months the trophy must be returned to FAM in good condition.

The team is fully responsible for the safety of the rotating trophy. If lost or damaged, the team must pay for repair or replacement, with FAM approval required before any replacement.

FAM provides thirty (30) medals each to the MPFL 2026 champions and runners-up.

The prize-giving ceremony is held immediately after the second leg of the Play-Off Final.

Teams must ensure only registered officials and players receive medals during the ceremony.