Malaysian side Kelantan Red Warriors and Indonesian outfit Persikad Depok have both been slapped with registration bans by FIFA due to financial violations committed by their respective predecessor clubs.
Under FIFA’s sporting succession rules, Kelantan Red Warriors were deemed the direct successors of the now-defunct Kelantan FC, despite being established by the Gerakan Selamatkan Kelantan FC movement and operating independently from the troubled former entity, which was last owned by controversial businessman Norizam Tukiman.
The previous Kelantan FC collapsed after multiple seasons of unpaid wages to players and staff, leading FIFA to issue multiple transfer bans. These sanctions were inherited by the newly-formed Red Warriors, much to their dismay.
In Indonesia, Persikad Depok were promoted from Liga 4 West Java straight to Liga 2 after acquiring the license of Sumut United, a club relinquished by its owner Arya Sinulingga, who opted to focus on his role within the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI). Formerly known as Persikad 1999, the rebranded Depok-based side was taken over by Egat Sacawijaya, who also owns a majority stake in Liga 1 side Persijap Jepara.
However, the acquisition came with baggage. FIFA considers Persikad a sporting successor to Sumut United, who had themselves been sanctioned with a three-window registration ban dating back to 2023, when they operated under the name Sada Sumut FC, due to unpaid wages.
While Persikad have yet to comment on the matter, Kelantan Red Warriors have vowed to challenge FIFA’s ruling, asserting their independence from Kelantan FC.
“Kelantan FC are 76 years old. We’re not even a year old. We’ve never claimed their history, titles, or records. We are a new club — full stop,” said Red Warriors president Nik Hafiz Naim Nik Hassan, as quoted by Timesport and the New Straits Times.
He further explained, “The name ‘Red Warriors’ belongs to the people of Kelantan. It’s used in other sports like sepak takraw. The colors come from our state flag. It’s about real warriors — not branding.”
Nik Hafiz acknowledged his former role as a director at Kelantan FC but emphasized a clear break: “Yes, I was a director, but I resigned before forming KRW. There is no connection. Kelantan FC remain under ZamSaham (Norizam Tukiman). If they return to the league, they’ll do so under that structure. We have a different license.”
The cases facing Kelantan Red Warriors and Persikad closely mirror the situation experienced by Melaka FC, who were initially handed a FIFA ban due to debts incurred by the now-defunct Melaka United. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of Melaka FC, asserting that they were a separate legal entity and not liable for the previous club’s violations.