Machan FC withdraws from semi-pro league citing financial constraints due to rising air fares

KUCHING (Sept 17): Sarawak football team Machan FC has withdrawn from the ongoing Malaysian A1 Semi-Pro League after 12 matches, due to financial constraints caused by increased air travel expenses.

Club president Azizi Fauzi announced this in a statement posted on Machan FC’s Facebook page yesterday.

A few hours later, Azizi also announced his resignation from the post.

In its latest social media post today, Machan FC said an official letter on the club’s would be sent to the league’s governing body Amateur Football League (AFL) this afternoon.

“The club is ready to be fined by the AFL. It is hoped that all parties accept the decision of the Machan FC team to withdraw without pointing fingers at anyone.

“Thank you to the individuals and private companies who have been willing to sponsor the Machan FC team,” said the club.

The statement added Machan FC will remain active in Sarawak’s local football scene.

Founded in 2022, Machan FC was the only team from East Malaysia to compete in the 2024-2025 Malaysian A1 Semi Pro League, which is the country’s second-tier football league.

The club, based in Machan, Kanowit, is said to operate with its own funds.

On Sept 9, the club had posted on Facebook regarding the significant increase in airfares, which caused difficulties for the football club to continue with the remaining league fixtures.

It had suggested all Machan FC’s away games be played in Kuala Lumpur to save on flight costs.

As of the time of writing, the AFL, an organisation sanctioned by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to govern amateur level football, has yet to respond to the news of Machan FC’s withdrawal.

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