FIFA Lifts Player Transfer Ban Imposed On Kelantan Red Warrior FC

KOTA BHARU, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- World football governing body FIFA has lifted the player transfer ban imposed on Kelantan Red Warrior FC (KRW FC), thereby enabling the club to register new foreign players for this season's Malaysia League (M-League) campaign.

KRW FC said in a statement that it received a confirmation letter from FIFA dated Jan 22, 2026, stating that the ban on player transfer, imposed on Dec 19, 2025, had been fully lifted.

FIFA explained that proceedings relating to the club were closed after inquiries submitted to former Kelantan FC assistant coach Pol Corpas Cuatrecasa regarding his salary arrears claims went unanswered.

"Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the ban on registering new players that was imposed on Kelantan Red Warrior FC has been permanently lifted,” the statement added.

The club's management also emphasises that the issue should not be linked to Kelantan Red Warrior FC, as the club is not involved in that matter, but it affected several matters, including player registration.

Previously, the media reported that KRW FC, which plays in the A1 Semi-Pro League, had failed to register two foreign players following a FIFA ban imposed on Dec 15, believed to be related to claims against Kelantan FC.

Meanwhile, the club's management said the claims were made by the former Kelantan FC assistant coach and his lawyers, who tried to link KRW FC with the former club.

The confirmation from FIFA allows the club to continue the process of registering new players for the 2025-2026 M-League season. 

KRW FC is currently third in the A1 Semi-Pro League with 32 points from 17 matches - nine wins, five draws and three defeats.

-- BERNAMA