Perak FC Does Not Apply for National License: A Dark Moment in Perak Football History
For the first time in the history of Perak football, Perak FC has officially confirmed that it did not submit a national license application to the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for the 2025/26 season. This means the legendary team from the state that was once the heartbeat of Malaysian football will now not compete in the Super League next season.
This announcement was confirmed by the club chairman, Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi, who stated that no licensing documents were submitted by the deadline of May 10, 2025.
Root Cause: Prolonged Financial Crisis
The financial crisis plaguing Perak FC is not a surprise to local football observers. For the past few seasons, the club has faced issues with salary arrears for players and team officials. According to media reports, the failure to pay salaries consistently meant they could not meet the requirements of the national license, which demands proof of financial stability and ethical management.
Datuk Seri Azim also admitted that Perak FC could not provide the necessary commitment to the MFL because licensing requirements, including complete financial audit documentation, could not be met under the current circumstances.
Implications for Supporters and the Future of the League
Perak FC has strong grassroots support, especially from a generation of loyal fans who grew up with the nostalgia of the greatness of The Bos Gaurus squad. The absence of this club from the Malaysia Super League competition will leave a huge void, not only for Perak fans but also for the national football landscape.
This club is among the oldest and most historic entities in the country, even serving as a founding member of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) established in 1933. Since the pre-independence era, the Perak football team has been a symbol of state pride and a catalyst for local football identity.
Glorious History: From Perak FA to Perak FC
Perak FC, formerly known as Perak FA, began to shine in the early 20th century. They have won the Malaysia Cup eight times (last in 2018), the FA Cup twice, and the Premier League once. Big names like M. Karathu, Khalid Jamlus, Azman Adnan, and Chan Kok Heng are among the legends who once brought glory to Perak in football.
However, in the era of football club privatization, many challenges arose. Perak FA was privatized into Perak FC in 2021 under the FAM privatization directive. Since then, several owners have come and gone — including those linked to XOX Berhad — but internal problems have persisted.
Dark Moment: Withdrawal for the First Time
This is the first time in the modern history of Malaysian football that a prestigious club like Perak FC has failed to join the Super League, not because of performance on the pitch, but because of management failure. It carries major implications for the development of young talent, local investment, and the state's football ecosystem.
The main question now is: where does Perak FC go from here? Will the club apply to join the M3 League competition? Will new investors come forward to save the club? Or could the era of Perak football glory have reached its end?
A Call for Revival
Perak football cannot die. With solid support from the people of the state and a rich, long history, the revival of Perak FC is something that is highly anticipated. Perhaps this is the time for a comprehensive restructuring — from financial management and ownership structure to grassroots development.
Therefore, it is important for the state government, corporations, former players, and supporters to work together to shape a new future for Perak FC. May this darkness be only temporary, and may the light of revival shine again at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh one day.
