PETALING JAYA: The rebranding confusion involving several Kelantan football teams has attracted the attention of the world football governing body FIFA.
It had issued a show-cause letter to Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW), who were set to compete in the Semi-Pro League A1.
The letter requests clarification about KRW’s identity and how it differs from earlier Kelantan-based teams, especially Kelantan FC, which was previously owned by entrepreneur Norizman Tukiman and still has unresolved debts.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary Datuk Noor Azman Rahman confirmed on Sunday (July 27) that they had received a letter from FIFA and handed it over to KRW on Friday.
"Yes, we received a letter from FIFA regarding Kelantan KRW and have forwarded it to them for further action.
"I can’t disclose further details, but the issue is not related to player claims. It is linked to a previous club, Kelantan FC.
"FIFA have identified certain concerns, which may be connected to the former team," said Azman.
The deadline for KRW to respond to FIFA’s letter was on Monday (July 28).
KRW was established in December last year by Nik Hafiz Naim Nik Hassan, who was previously a co-owner of Kelantan FC alongside Zamsaham.
It was understood that the similarity in logo, team identity and even jersey design between KRW and the defunct Kelantan FC was among the reasons FIFA requested clarification.
Kelantan FC were effectively dissolved last year after being relegated from the 2023 Super League. The team were also barred from competing in last season’s A1 Semi-Pro League due to heavy debts.
Former team president Tan Sri Annuar Musa later revived Kelantan’s presence in the Super League by introducing a new identity under the name Kelantan The Real Warriors.
