KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah owner Tan Sri Dr Daud Abu Bakar has urged the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to reconsider its club licensing regulations, particularly the requirement for mandatory youth teams, as clubs continue to struggle financially.

Daud believes youth development is important but argues that the financial burden of running multiple junior teams should not fall entirely on clubs, especially under a privatised football model.

"Football is about competition, not just development, and I hope this part can be reconsidered. Development is already covered by grants and allocated budgets," he said.

He said maintaining youth squads comes with significant costs, including travel and logistics, while these teams do not generate ticket sales or direct revenue, making them a financial strain.

"It's a one-way street — only costs, no returns. Running three extra teams means additional expenses like flight tickets and accommodation, which can be overwhelming for many clubs.

"We should prioritise the Super League, where there's a clear revenue stream through sponsorships and government grants. Development is important, but the budget must be structured fairly," he added.