PAFA Issues Invitation Letters To Import Players

IPOH,  July 9 (Bernama) -- The Perak Football Association (PAFA) is in the process of evaluating several import players to strengthen the state’s football team for this season's A1 Semi-Pro League competition, scheduled to begin in August.

Its president, Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin, said PAFA had issued invitation letters to several foreign players to undergo an evaluation session, in line with the regulations that allow three imported players to be registered in the AFL's A1 Semi-Pro League.

However, he declined to reveal the country of origin of the players the letters were sent to, but stressed that only those who are truly of quality and capable of making an immediate impact will be selected.

“We have identified several potential import players, and they will undergo assessment tests soon. Priority is given to positions that can add to the team's overall strength," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohd Azhar said the Bos Gaurus is currently undergoing intensive training by combining senior and reserve players, including Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) players, to build team harmony and strength.

“We have held several friendly matches against local teams in Perak as preliminary preparations. Two more warm-up matches will be held against the Armed Forces FC on July 17 and Melaka FC eight days later (July 25),” he said.

  In a related development, he said a total of 24 players had signed contracts with Perak for between one and two years, comprising 13 young players under the age of 20 and 11 senior players.

He said nine of the senior players had played with Perak FC in the Super League last season, thus bringing a dimension of maturity and experience to the squad.

Apart from that, he said Perak FA’s first participation in the A1 League was not just to fill slots, but rather as a stage to rebuild the state team and provide a path for young talents to play at a higher level.

"Our target is that within three to five years, Perak FA will be able to return to the Super League. With enthusiasm, consistent training and strong support from fans, success may be achieved," he said.

On June 16, AFL chairman Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi announced that 16 teams had confirmed their participation in the 2025-2026 A1 Semi Pro League.

They are the Armed Forces FC, Manjung City FC, Imigresen FC II, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) II, Selangor FC II, Kelantan WTS FC, Kedah FA, Machan FC, Kelantan Red Warriors FC, Bunga Raya FC, Malaysian University, PAFA, Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC), Guar Syed Alwi (GSA FC), FC Seoul Phoenix and UM-Damansara United

-- BERNAMA