KUALA LUMPUR — FIFA has raised concerns over Kelantan Red Warriors’ (Kelantan KRW) eligibility to compete in next season’s A1 Semi-Pro League, citing unresolved financial issues linked to their predecessor, Kelantan FC.
The world football governing body has given the East Coast club one week to respond with a full explanation.
According to sources, FIFA issued a show-cause letter last Friday, which was subsequently forwarded to the club’s management by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
The inquiry is believed to be prompted by lingering financial complications tied to the now-defunct Kelantan FC, which had a history of unpaid wages and regulatory breaches.
Speaking to Scoop, FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman confirmed that the club has been asked to clarify its status urgently.
“They need to respond by next week, as FIFA wants to know how they’re able to take part in the A1 Semi-Pro League given the financial issues associated with the previous club,” he said.
Noor Azman declined to reveal further details but clarified that the matter does not involve current player claims. Rather, it centres on possible irregularities involving Kelantan FC’s operations.
FIFA is believed to be investigating whether Kelantan KRW, formed in December last year by team owner Nik Hafiz Naim Nik Hassan, has any formal or financial connection to the now-defunct Kelantan FC.
Persistent allegations have suggested that KRW is effectively a rebranded continuation of Kelantan FC, particularly as Nik Hafiz previously played a key role in managing the team, also nicknamed The Red Warriors.
Kelantan FC had long struggled with financial instability, racking up debts of up to RM2 million in unpaid wages to former players and staff — many of whom filed complaints with FIFA. The club faced repeated transfer bans and fines as a result.
In 2023 and 2024 alone, the team was reportedly hit with multiple claims from both local and international players over salary arrears and contract breaches.
Mounting financial troubles ultimately forced Kelantan FC to withdraw from the Malaysian League, paving the way for a restructuring that led to the formation of Kelantan KRW. — July 27, 2025