Malaysian club Terengganu FC could compete in the Liga AI Semi-Pro next season as the club’s management evaluates a potential restructuring plan aimed at stabilising its long-term future.
President of the Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Terengganu (PBSNT), Hishamuddin Abdul Karim, revealed that discussions are currently ongoing and no final decision has been made regarding the club’s participation in the second-tier competition.
According to Hishamuddin, the proposal is still under detailed review, with financial constraints continuing to weigh heavily on the club’s operations.
“This matter has not been finalised. We are currently studying the proposal for Terengganu FC to compete in the AI Semi-Pro League next season, but it is not as simple as planning it on paper,” he said.
He explained that internal issues, particularly financial limitations, remain one of the biggest obstacles for the club.
“Financial challenges are still a major issue for the team. It can be compared to a long-term illness like diabetes — something that requires continuous management and is not easy to cure overnight,” he added.
Should Terengganu decide to compete in the second division, the club intends to prioritise youth development and long-term restructuring.
The shift would allow the management to address several internal challenges that have persisted in recent years, including administrative and financial issues that have affected the club’s stability.
Previously, Terengganu had faced multiple player registration bans imposed by FIFA due to outstanding payments owed to players.
Despite the off-field uncertainty, Hishamuddin emphasised that the current squad remains focused on achieving its season objectives in the Malaysia Super League.
At present, Terengganu sit fifth in the league standings with 32 points from 20 matches, keeping them on course to meet their key performance indicator (KPI) target of finishing inside the top five.
“TFC are still on the right track to achieve the KPI set for the team, which is finishing in fifth place,” he said.
The East Coast side still has four matches remaining in the season, facing Negeri Sembilan FC, Kuching City FC, Imigresen FC, and Sabah FC.
As the season enters its final stretch, Terengganu must balance its on-field ambitions with important strategic decisions regarding the club’s future.
Credit Photo : TFC
