In a major boost just days before the start of the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 season, Kelantan The Real Warriors (TRW) have officially been cleared by FIFA to register new players, ending a long-standing transfer ban imposed due to unresolved salary disputes.
The breakthrough was confirmed by club president Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who revealed on Facebook that the final of nine transfer bans issued against the club has now been lifted following the receipt of an official clearance letter from FIFA yesterday.
“After persistent efforts to settle all outstanding claims that led to the registration ban, Alhamdulillah, we’ve successfully resolved everything,” said Annuar.
With the ban lifted, Kelantan TRW can now officially register both local and foreign players for the upcoming season, which kicks off this Saturday with an away fixture against Kuching City at Stadium Negeri.
Annuar added that the registration process is currently ongoing and is expected to be finalized within the next couple of days. He also confirmed that Kelantan still has five open foreign player slots and two local slots available for reinforcement.
“A new Kelantan The Real Warriors is officially taking shape,” he declared confidently.
The club, previously known as Kelantan Darul Naim, has undergone a complete transformation in preparation for the 2025/26 campaign — including rebranding, leadership restructuring, and a squad overhaul.
Under the guidance of experienced coach E. Elavarasan, TRW is looking to bounce back from seasons marred by financial instability and poor results. The lifting of the ban allows the team to finally reinforce their roster competitively — something they were previously unable to do due to salary arrears, which led to the initial FIFA-imposed registration restrictions.
Kelantan’s return to stability comes at a crucial time. The team is not only aiming to survive in the Liga Super but to re-establish itself as a powerhouse of Malaysian football, reminiscent of its glory years in the early 2010s.
Fans of the Red Warriors can now look forward to a rejuvenated squad and a club administration that has made significant progress in resolving long-standing issues — setting the stage for what could be a dramatic comeback season.
Credit Photo : The Real Warriors
