FMLLP REBUKE KAFA’S CLAIMS
Kelantan’s incomplete document spells trouble
THE Kelantan FA (Kafa) have claimed that they have settled their debts, and supporting document has been submitted to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) appeals committee for a club licence.
Kafa secretary Datuk Ismail Md Noor revealed this to Timesport when contacted yesterday.
However, the Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) debunked Ismail’s claim by stating that no document was sent to the appeals committee for consideration.
The applications of Kelantan, Felda United, Sarawak, Melaka and FA Cup champions Kedah for a club licence were rejected by the FAM’s licensing body on Thursday for failing to comply with financial-related requirements.
While Felda, Sarawak, Melaka and Kedah are expected to be granted club licences, Kelantan may not qualify as they still owe players and coaches, along with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as well.
It is learnt that their debts amount to more than RM2.5 million, not including claims filed by foreign players through Fifa.
A source also revealed that Kafa owe their current team two months in wages.
All teams in the Super League must obtain a club licence this season and failure to do so could see them demoted to the Premier League.
Second-tier teams have until October next year to meet all regulations for club licensing for the 2019 season.
FMLLP confirmed yesterday that Kelantan and the other four teams have already submitted appeals, but the one from the east coast side were incomplete.
“When a club appeals over a decision, they should provide supporting documents. However, Kafa only sent a letter urging FAM to give them more time.
“We have notified Kafa about this and they have promised to submit supporting documents before the committee look through all appeals on Friday,” said a FAM spokesperson.
All demotion recommendations will be handed to FMLLP board for endorsement on Sept 19.
Ismail said Kafa met all requirements for a club licence except for matters concerning debts.
“We have been notified over reasons why our application was rejected. However, we have already submitted the required documents and we are confident that the appeals committee will grant us a licence soon,” said Ismail.
There is a possibility that Kafa could be granted a conditional licence where a stipulated timeframe will be given to the association to meet all requirements for a club licence.
Their team will also be allowed to remain in the Super League during that period.
Kafa will hold their elections on Sept 17 in Kota Baru. Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who resigned as Kafa’s president last year, is keen to stand for the top post again.