Kelantan Red Warrior FC (KRW FC) head coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim has made a direct appeal to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for assistance as his club continues to face a FIFA transfer ban that is preventing them from registering new players.
Irfan Bakti insists the current problem was inherited from the club’s previous management and is now severely limiting KRW FC’s ability to strengthen their squad for the ongoing Malaysia Super League campaign.
The veteran coach revealed that he has personally written to AFC seeking help to resolve the player registration issue before the transfer window closes.
“I have personally sent a letter to AFC asking for help to resolve the player registration issue.”
According to Irfan Bakti, the transfer restriction has placed KRW FC at a major competitive disadvantage against clubs capable of fielding several foreign players.
“It is a pity for the existing players because they have to compete against teams that have seven to nine foreign players.”
The coach said the club has yet to receive a positive outcome from FIFA and is now hoping AFC can intervene or provide assistance.
“So far, there has been no positive decision from FIFA, so I appeal to AFC for help in resolving this issue.”
With the registration window approaching its deadline, time is running out for KRW FC to strengthen their squad.
Irfan Bakti believes the club urgently needs foreign reinforcements in several key positions.
“We need foreign players in defence, midfield and attack to compete with the other teams.”
The coach’s comments highlight the extent of the challenge facing KRW FC.
The club are attempting to build a competitive squad while operating under restrictions that prevent them from adding the necessary reinforcements.
For a team competing in the top division, the lack of squad depth could become increasingly costly as the season progresses.
Despite the registration crisis, Irfan Bakti praised his players for their response in the Malaysia FA Cup after KRW FC held Kuching City FC to a 0-0 draw at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium.
The result was particularly notable because KRW FC had suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Kuching City just three days earlier in the Malaysia Super League.
Irfan said his players showed significant character to recover so quickly and compete against a Kuching City team featuring eight foreign players.
“My players showed a positive performance because just three days ago they lost 5-0 to Kuching City in the Super League.”
The goalless draw therefore offered KRW FC a much-needed lift, particularly as the team continues to deal with its off-field registration problems.
Source : TVS
Credit Photo : KRWFC
