Latest news with #A1Semi-ProLeague
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Perak FA signs Nigerian midfielder Christian Chukwu for 2025 season
THE Perak Football Association has officially signed Nigerian midfielder Christian Chukwu for the 2025/26 A1 Semi-Pro League season. The 23-year-old player from Abia brings attacking flair to the Perak FA squad. PAFA president Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin expressed enthusiasm about the new signing. He revealed Christian previously played for Marryland Nigeria and possesses strong attacking midfield qualities. 'Christian's arrival adds creative options in midfield, offering a new dimension to Perak FA's attacking play,' said Mohd Azhar. The Nigerian midfielder has already been registered and could debut in the Northern Derby against Kedah FA. Mohd Azhar encouraged fans to support the team at Manjung Municipal Council Stadium for Christian's potential debut. The statement was posted on Perak FA's official Facebook page last night. - Bernama
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kelantan Red Warriors' league debut delayed by FIFA transfer ban
KUALA LUMPUR: The Amateur Football League (AFL) has postponed Kelantan Red Warriors' (KRW) first two A1 Semi-Pro League matches due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. KRW had submitted a full explanation to FIFA on Saturday — two days before Monday's deadline — in response to a show-cause letter from world football's governing body. AFL chairman Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the league is giving KRW some leeway to resolve the issue before deciding whether to let them remain in the competition. "KRW received a letter from FIFA about a transfer ban originally imposed on Kelantan FC, as they are seen as the same entity. "FIFA is expected to make a decision on KRW's status by Aug 14. Until then, KRW has been given a chance to respond," said Yusoff on Tuesday, following the 2025/26 A1 Semi-Pro League official broadcaster announcement. "AFL understands KRW cannot register players until the issue is resolved, which means they have no players to field despite the league starting on August 2. "We're giving them time until FIFA decides. As a result, two KRW matches scheduled before Aug 14 will be postponed. We hope KRW can resolve this matter and stay in the league. It would be a shame if they were excluded." KRW, coached by Irfan Bakti, were due to face Selangor FC on Aug 4 and Seoul Phoenix on Aug 10 in their opening two games. A search of the FIFA database shows Kelantan FC are under a registration ban, listed eight times since 2023. The reasons remain undisclosed. FIFA is holding KRW accountable for Kelantan FC's salary arrears, citing the sporting succession rule, which allows sanctions on new clubs deemed to have inherited the obligations of their predecessors.
The Star
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
KRW face risk of being banned ahead of A1 Semi-Pro League
PETALING JAYA: With less than five days to go before the 2025/2026 A1 Semi-Pro League kicks off this Saturday, Kelantan Red Warriors (KRW) are facing the risk of being slapped with a transfer ban – or worse, being barred from competing altogether. This comes after world football governing body FIFA issued a show-cause letter to KRW over their alleged links to Kelantan, a club that have yet to settle their outstanding debts. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said that although KRW have responded to FIFA regarding their status, they remain under restriction until FIFA are satisfied with their explanation. 'FIFA issued the letter through FAM last Friday, and KRW had until Monday (yesterday) to respond,' said Noor Azman. 'To clarify, KRW have replied to FIFA, and Monday was the final day. 'Technically, the team are currently not allowed to register new players or even take part in the league.' In a statement on Sunday, KRW denied any connection to Kelantan, insisting that they are a newly established club, officially registered in December 2024 to compete in the A1 Semi-Pro League. 'KRW would like to emphasise that we operate as a separate, independent entity and are not liable for, or linked to, any administrative or financial obligations of the former club,' the club said. 'However, the KRW management remain open and fully accountable to any inquiries or investigations by football authorities, including FIFA and FAM.' KRW, currently coached by experienced tactician Irfan Bakti, are in the midst of their pre-season preparations. The east coast outfit have also strengthened their squad by signing several former national players including Mohd Faiz Nasir, Indra Putra Mahyuddin and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, along with foreign recruits such as former Sheffield United player Otis Khan.
The Star
27-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Confusion over Kelantan team's rebranding draws FIFA's attention
PETALING JAYA: The rebranding confusion involving several Kelantan football teams has attracted the attention of the world football governing body FIFA. It had issued a show-cause letter to Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW), who were set to compete in the Semi-Pro League A1. The letter requests clarification about KRW's identity and how it differs from earlier Kelantan-based teams, especially Kelantan FC, which was previously owned by entrepreneur Norizman Tukiman and still has unresolved debts. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary Datuk Noor Azman Rahman confirmed on Sunday (July 27) that they had received a letter from FIFA and handed it over to KRW on Friday. "Yes, we received a letter from FIFA regarding Kelantan KRW and have forwarded it to them for further action. "I can't disclose further details, but the issue is not related to player claims. It is linked to a previous club, Kelantan FC. "FIFA have identified certain concerns, which may be connected to the former team," said Azman. The deadline for KRW to respond to FIFA's letter was on Monday (July 28). KRW was established in December last year by Nik Hafiz Naim Nik Hassan, who was previously a co-owner of Kelantan FC alongside Zamsaham. It was understood that the similarity in logo, team identity and even jersey design between KRW and the defunct Kelantan FC was among the reasons FIFA requested clarification. Kelantan FC were effectively dissolved last year after being relegated from the 2023 Super League. The team were also barred from competing in last season's A1 Semi-Pro League due to heavy debts. Former team president Tan Sri Annuar Musa later revived Kelantan's presence in the Super League by introducing a new identity under the name Kelantan The Real Warriors.
New Straits Times
27-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
JDT head FA Cup draw tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: The 16-team FA Cup draw will be held tomorrow. Three A1 Semi-Pro League teams — Bunga Raya, Malaysian University FT, and UM-Damansara — will be involved in the knockout tournament. Newly promoted Super League clubs, Melaka and Immigration, and Brunei's debutants, DPMM, will look to go far in the competition. The other FA Cup cast are defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Sabah, Kuching City, Terengganu, KL City, Police, Penang, Negri Sembilan, and Kelantan Darul Naim (rebranded this season as Kelantan The Real Warriors).
