KRW FC Seek AFC Assistance To Resolve FIFA Player Transfer Ban

KOTA BHARU, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Kelantan Red Warrior FC (KRW FC) head coach, Irfan Bakti Abu Salim has appealed to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to help his team resolve the problem of player transfer restrictions by the International Football Federation (FIFA).

Irfan Bakti said this was because the problems facing his team were not caused by them but by the previous club management.

"I have personally sent a letter to the AFC asking for help in resolving this player registration issue. It is unfortunate for the existing players to have to compete with other teams that have seven to nine imported players.

"So far, there has been no positive decision from FIFA regarding this problem, so I appeal to the AFC to help us resolve this issue," he told reporters after the FA Cup match between KRW FC and Kuching City FC at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here yesterday.

Irfan Bakti hopes that FIFA can give him flexibility to register imported players as the player registration window will close soon.

"Various efforts have been made by the management to resolve this problem, we really need imported players in the defence, midfield and striker positions to compete with other teams," he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the 0-0 draw against Kuching City FC in the FA Cup match, he praised his players for being able to compete with the opposing team that has eight imported players.

"We went in with a shortage of players, especially imported players, but my men showed a good and positive performance because just three days ago they lost to Kuching City FC 5-0 in the Super League," he said.

-- BERNAMA