Football league competition in Malaysia began in 1982 with each state represented by their respective teams compete in Liga Malaysia. However, it purpose was just to be a qualifying round for the knock-out stage for Malaysia Cup. During that time, all states participating in this league alongside the police and army as well as the two countries, namely Singapore and Brunei which all send an amateur team for the competition. From the season of 1989 until 1993, the Malaysian football league entered the semi-pro era with the creation of Liga Semi-Pro (MSPFL) which still be a two divisions league.