PETALING JAYA: With less than five days to go before the 2025/2026 A1 Semi-Pro League kicks off this Saturday, Kelantan Red Warriors (KRW) are facing the risk of being slapped with a transfer ban – or worse, being barred from competing altogether.
This comes after world football governing body FIFA issued a show-cause letter to KRW over their alleged links to Kelantan, a club that have yet to settle their outstanding debts.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said that although KRW have responded to FIFA regarding their status, they remain under restriction until FIFA are satisfied with their explanation.
“FIFA issued the letter through FAM last Friday, and KRW had until Monday (yesterday) to respond,” said Noor Azman.
“To clarify, KRW have replied to FIFA, and Monday was the final day.
“Technically, the team are currently not allowed to register new players or even take part in the league.”
In a statement on Sunday, KRW denied any connection to Kelantan, insisting that they are a newly established club, officially registered in December 2024 to compete in the A1 Semi-Pro League.
“KRW would like to emphasise that we operate as a separate, independent entity and are not liable for, or linked to, any administrative or financial obligations of the former club,” the club said.
“However, the KRW management remain open and fully accountable to any inquiries or investigations by football authorities, including FIFA and FAM.”
KRW, currently coached by experienced tactician Irfan Bakti, are in the midst of their pre-season preparations.
The east coast outfit have also strengthened their squad by signing several former national players including Mohd Faiz Nasir, Indra Putra Mahyuddin and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, along with foreign recruits such as former Sheffield United player Otis Khan.
