Oday Kharoub, Kelantan Darul Naim FC (KDNFC) midfielder and Palestinian international, has announced his intention to terminate his contract with the club due to prolonged salary arrears and poor treatment of players.
The 31-year-old midfielder revealed that he has not been paid for over four months, a situation that has left him frustrated and compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Expressing his disappointment with KDN FC’s management, Kharoub highlighted the numerous challenges faced by the players, including unpaid wages, lack of proper facilities, and unresponsive club officials.
“No respect (to the players), no answering calls, no field to practice on because they don’t pay the training field rent. I have received several offers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Qatar. I will terminate my contract. I play to send money to families suffering from the war,” said Oday, whose dedication to supporting his family amid ongoing conflict in Palestine has made the financial situation even more critical.
Oday, who joined KDN FC in March 2024 and was entrusted with the captain’s armband, has been a vital figure in the squad. Fans have praised his leadership and performances despite the club’s struggles. This season, Kelantan United has endured a disastrous campaign, with only two wins in 21 matches, exacerbated by ongoing financial issues.
Oday remains an active member of the Palestine national team, helping his country qualify for the second round of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 earlier this year. Before joining Kelantan United, he played for Hilal Al-Quds in the Palestinian Premier League, marking his first experience abroad with the move to Malaysia.
Kelantan Darul Naim has become synonymous with financial mismanagement. Reports indicate that players and staff have gone unpaid for months, with some facing nearly half a year without wages.
One unnamed player lamented:
“It’s been four months since we received our salaries. From September, October, November, and now into December, we still haven’t been paid. EPF hasn’t been paid, Socso hasn’t been paid, and there’s no player insurance. Please help us.”
The crisis has also affected foreign players, with South Korean agent Myeongho Jeong previously speaking out against the club for failing to settle salary arrears or renew players’ visas, leaving them stranded in Malaysia.
This is not the first time Kelantan United has faced backlash for their financial troubles. In October, local media revealed that even support staff had gone unpaid for seven months. Jeong called on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to intervene, stating:
“This is a club full of deceit, lies, and making fun of the players. Trash teams like this always exist in the Malaysian Super League. Please, FAM, listen to our concerns. Right now, I can’t even go back to Korea.”
Despite the challenges, Oday Kharoub remains focused on continuing his football journey. With offers from clubs in Thailand, Indonesia, and Qatar, the midfielder is likely to finalize a move soon. His departure, however, further underscores the urgent need for reforms within Kelantan United and the Malaysian football ecosystem.
Credit Photo : KDNFC
