KUALA LUMPUR — The Kelantan Football Association (KAFA) must immediately reconvene its annual congress to resolve its suspension from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), after governance failures led to a dispute over unrecognised affiliates.
State Youth, Sports, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad said the suspension began after FAM identified issues over the participation of several affiliates whose status is not recognised by KAFA.
“Based on the information I have, FAM has instructed KAFA to reconvene its annual congress, but no new date has been set thus far.
“This issue needs to be resolved by the middle of next year, at the latest, so that the state’s football development is not affected,” he was quoted saying by Bernama.
Zamakhshari said the state government has consistently held talks with KAFA, the Sports Commissioner and FAM to help find a solution. However, he stressed that the state government does not have legal authority to intervene directly.
“KAFA is a body registered under the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) and an affiliate of FAM,” he said.
He added that the matter is urgent as current regulations prohibit the formation of a second football association in the state.
“This issue is important because PJS regulations do not allow the formation of a second football association as long as KAFA exists. Only if KAFA’s registration is cancelled will a new association be allowed,” he said.
KAFA’s membership was suspended last December over congress procedures, in accordance with Article 17 of the FAM Statute, which allows the FAM Executive Committee to suspend any member.
Zamakhshari also revealed that the state government allocates more than RM2.3 million annually to support football development, including organising the State Legislative Assembly Elite League (LED), the Menteri Besar’s Cup, building football facilities and aiding approved private clubs.
“The LED serves as a platform for youngsters to catch the eyes of talent scouts from professional clubs in the Malaysia League (M-League).
“The cost of preparing a competitive M-League team is extremely high, at least RM12 million a year.
“The support of all parties is crucial to ensuring Kelantan football returns to the pinnacle, and KAFA needs to immediately resolve these issues for the future development of the sport in the state,” he said. – November 20, 2025