A history of Malaysia football league development from semi-pro to professional era, 1989 – 2011

Abstract

This study traces the history of the Malaysian Football League development from semi-pro to professional from 1989 until 2011. The discussions begin by examining how the roots of the football league in Malaysia began to form until it reached professional level. Football in Malaysia began to gain serious ground with the establishment of the HMS Malaya Cup in 1921. It grew when the semi-pro league appeared in 1989 as a preparation before entering the professional league. During that period, there were several changes to the league's system and format, in addition to the emergence of several major issues and matters that significantly impacted the local football landscape. The research continues by discussing the changes that took place during the semi-pro and professional eras in the Malaysian football league. Both went through a process that is very important in ensuring that the league's journey process runs smoothly. The changes that occur from one period to another indirectly lead to critical changes to the Malaysian football league, which includes relevant aspects of a professional league. The developments during the transition of these two eras also impacted several entities, such as the national squad, competing teams and clubs, players, supporters, and media. The study also highlights professionalism trends among the major football leagues in Malaysia, England, and Japan. It must be recognized that England and Japan appear as two prosperous examples of countries applying professionalism in their football league. The comparison among the three leagues in this country focuses on some big things in the development aspect of a professional league. The findings of this research will help in understanding the history of the Malaysian football league in a fresher and new narrative.