Malut United were rocked by scandal this month following the shock dismissal of head coach Imran Nahumarury and technical director Yeyen Tumena—two pivotal figures behind the club’s remarkable debut season in Liga 1 Indonesia.
Promoted from Liga 2 in 2023/24, the Laskar Kie Raha defied expectations by finishing third in their maiden top-flight campaign, securing a coveted spot in the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship. Their success was all the more notable as Imran remained the only Indonesian head coach to lead a Liga 1 team from start to finish that season, challenging the dominance of foreign tacticians.
However, that fairytale run came crashing down when rumors began circulating of serious misconduct. Allegations emerged that both Imran and Yeyen had demanded payments from players to be included in matchday squads—practices reportedly dating back to their Liga 2 days—and had been embezzling parts of player agent fees.
The club abruptly terminated their contracts on June 16, citing only “gross violations against their contracts.” The lack of clarity sparked speculation, prompting Imran to claim publicly that he was being “framed” by an “ungrateful” club hierarchy.
Facing mounting pressure, Malut United held a press conference on June 24 to address the controversy. Vice-manager Ashgar Saleh not only dismissed Imran’s claims but confirmed the financial improprieties.
“We want to cleanse our club of practices that violate our values and principles,” Ashgar stated, as quoted by Detik. He detailed multiple instances of misconduct, including the embezzlement of religious pilgrimage bonuses given to players of different faiths.
“We gave both Muslim and Christian players financial assistance for pilgrimages—Hajj for Muslims, trips to Jerusalem for Christians. We later found proof that Imran and Yeyen diverted these funds into their personal accounts,” said Ashgar. He also cited numerous player complaints over unexplained deductions from their bonuses.
The vice-manager further confirmed that the pay-to-play rumors were accurate. “It’s not hearsay, it’s fact. Among the players, there was even a running joke—if you’re not paying, you’re not playing,” Ashgar said. “Once this came to our attention, we moved quickly. These practices have no place in our club.”
Foreign players weren’t spared. Several reported receiving smaller down payments than agreed upon. Initially, the club assumed the difference went to agents, as is customary. But when they contacted the agents directly, it became clear none had received their fees. The investigation revealed that Yeyen, who oversaw financial distributions, had siphoned off agent fees into his own account.
Perhaps most damning was the revelation that these transgressions had been ongoing since Malut United’s inaugural Liga 2 campaign. In an attempt to curb the misconduct, the club had awarded Imran and Yeyen substantial salary increases and new contracts after promotion—moves made in good faith to reward their success and encourage clean conduct. But after discovering the duo had continued their schemes, the club terminated their contracts without hesitation.
Since then, Imran and Yeyen have submitted formal apologies following threats of legal action from the club. In turn, Malut United has agreed not to pursue the matter through law enforcement, choosing closure over escalation.
Malut United’s decisive response may have cost them two key architects of their rise, but the club has sent a clear message: no achievement justifies corruption. As they prepare for continental competition, the Laskar Kie Raha are betting on integrity as the foundation for their next chapter.