KUALA LUMPUR — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today denies that they did not assist Kelantan FC with the issues to register players using the ‘Transfer Matching System’ (TMS).
The statement comes after Kelantan FC owner Norizam Tukiman, or better known as Zamsaham, claimed that his team’s failure to register four foreign imports is not because of the transfer ban which was imposed by Fifa.
He said that FAM took their time in assisting his team with their issues with the TMS to Fifa which led to their failure to register the players.
“Based on facts, Kelantan FC has already passed the registration period.
“We tried our best to help, especially in the application and appeal process to Fifa,” said FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman in a statement tonight.
“On August 16, FAM received a reply from Fifa explaining that they were aware of the problems faced by Kelantan FC to register players at the last minute.
“However, the appeal was rejected considering that the period can only be changed before the player’s registration period begins.
“This legal principle regarding the registration of players is uniform, universal, and applies to the international transfer system in football.
“The reply letter has been sent by FAM to Kelantan FC for notification,” read the statement.
FAM said the letter from Fifa gave a firm and clear answer that Kelantan FC is no longer allowed to register foreign players for the 2023 season.
The failure is due to Kelantan failing to complete the player registration documents before the second player transfer window which has already closed on August 1. — August 20, 2023