Machan FC considers exit from Malaysian A1 Semi Pro League due to soaring travel costs

KUCHING (Sept 10): Sarawak football team Machan FC is considering withdrawing from the Malaysian A1 Semi Pro League due to rising domestic flight ticket prices.

A statement posted on its social media page last night stated that the significant increase in flight ticket prices has caused difficulties for the football club to continue with the rest of league fixtures.

Founded in 2022, Machan FC is currently the only team from Sarawak and East Malaysia competing in the 2024-2025 Malaysian A1 Semi Pro League, which is the second-tier football league in the country.

The club, based in Machan, Kanowit is said to operate on their own funds and plays their home matches at Stadium Azman Hashim Sibu Jaya after relocating from Stadium Negeri, Kuching.

“The Machan FC’s decision to withdraw from the Malaysian A1 Semi Pro League is not finalised yet, and the club management will discuss with the AFL (governing body Amateur Football League) to re-arrange the league schedule so that all away games for Machan FC team are held in Kuala Lumpur to save on flight costs,” said the statement.

Machan FC is currently in 13th position out of 15 teams in the Malaysian A1 Semi Pro League with two wins, two draws and eight losses after 12 matches.

The most recent match involving Machan FC was played on Sept 7, which saw them losing 1-2 to Bunga Raya Damansara FC in at Stadium Azman Hashim Sibu Jaya.