KUALA LUMPUR – Kelantan Darul Naim FC have assured that the club’s recent signings will align with the forthcoming financial fair play (FFP) standards set by the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
It has been reported that the governing body will be introducing FFP as a new instrument in curbing the issue of salary arrears that has often plagued several teams in the Malaysian league over the years.
Kelantan Darul Naim, formerly known as Kelantan United, have been on a player-purchasing spree, including new foreign signings such as the South Korean quartet of Kim Ri-gwan, Koo Ah-oe, Bae Kyung-hwan and Jung Byung-ju.
The club have also signed Palestinian midfielder Oday Kharoub from Hilal Al-Quds to strengthen their midfield.
Speaking to Scoop, Kelantan Darul Naim president Rozi Muhamad expressed the club’s commitment to ensuring that the newly recruited players would not encounter any salary issues.
He also said that the east-coast club had been in communication with numerous investors to secure investments for the club’s operations.
“If the MFL is planning to implement FFP, we will definitely comply with it. To be fair, we have always taken good care of our players’ welfare since the day we started competing in the Malaysia Super League last season.
“I understand that some of the players we have signed this season are considered big-name players as they have experience playing at the top level of Asian football.
“The players have also understood our direction and have agreed to be part of the plan; hence, we are proud to gain their trust and excited to work with them.
“So far, everything is progressing well as we have recently secured new sponsors. With increased funding, we aim to become even better and improve our standings in this season’s Super League campaign,” said Rozi when contacted.
Kelantan Darul Naim recently secured sponsorship worth RM600,000 from a local sports equipment and clothing manufacturer, PUC Sport, for the new season.
The club are also undergoing a restructuring in their coaching set-up, with former national footballer Rezal Zambery Yahya being appointed assistant head coach. The announcement of the new head coach will be made by the beginning of next month.
Last season, the team finished 12th in their debut Super League campaign with four wins and five draws from 26 matches. – March 29, 2024