KAFA cannot sign two foreign players as transfer ban still in force - FMLLP

FMLLP in a statement issued today said Kelantan had only submitted an application to sign one foreign player in the mid-season transfer window as a replacement for another foreign player whose services was not extended.

The statement said though KAFA had announced that two foreign players would be signed during the transfer window, namely Abou Bakr Al-Mel from Lebanon and L'Imam Seydi from France to replace Mohammed Ghaddar from Lebanon who has since signed for Johor Darul Ta''zim (JDT) and Alessandro Celin, only one application would be approved.

"The second application to sign a new foreign player would not be approved because KAFA are still facing a ban due to unpaid wages of players and a coach. During the ban period, all transfer requests must be approved by FMLLP and if there is no change in KAFA''s efforts to resolve financial issues and obligations, such applications will not be approved," said FMLLP in the statement.

On May 2, FMLLP had docked six points and barred two Super League teams - Kelantan and T-Team - two Premier League teams - Perlis and Armed Forces - from signing any new players after failing to resolve issues related to wages of players and coach.

FMLLP later reduced the punishment on T-Team and Perlis by deducting only three points respectively, following an appeal and lifted the ban on signing new players.

Kelantan meanwhile, was taken to task today by Persatuan Pemain Bola Sepak Antarabangsa (FIFPro), Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) and former Kelantan defender Jonanthan McKain for attempting to sign new foreign players whilst the outstanding wages of players has not been settled.

However, KAFA adviser Tan Sri Annuar Musa in defending KAFA's decision to sign two foreign players said the decision was to beef up the squad.