Kota bharu: The Kelantan Football Association (KAFA) has been instructed to immediately reconvene its annual congress to address its suspension from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), due to governance weaknesses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Youth, Sports, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad highlighted that KAFA’s suspension is linked to a dispute involving several affiliates whose status is not recognised by the association. FAM has directed KAFA to reconvene its annual congress, although a new date has yet to be determined. Zamakhshari stressed the urgency of resolving this issue by the middle of next year to prevent any negative impact on the state’s football development.

Zamakhshari also noted that the state government has been in constant communication with KAFA, the Sports Commissioner, and FAM to find a resolution. However, the state government lacks the legal authority to intervene directly, as KAFA is registered under the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) and is an affiliate of FAM. He pointed out that PJS regulations prohibit the formation of a new football association as long as KAFA is in existence. A new association can only be formed if KAFA’s registration is revoked.

Last December, FAM suspended KAFA’s membership due to procedural issues related to conducting the congress. This suspension aligns with Article 17 of the FAM Statute, which grants the FAM Executive Committee the power to suspend any member’s membership.

Zamakhshari further mentioned that the state government has allocated over RM2.3 million annually for football development. This includes organizing the State Legislative Assembly Elite League (LED), the Menteri Besar’s Cup, developing football fields, and supporting authorized private clubs. The LED provides a platform for young talent to be scouted by professional clubs in the Malaysia League (M-League).

He emphasized the high cost of preparing a competitive M-League team, which requires at least RM12 million per year. Zamakhshari called for the collective support of all parties to ensure the revival of Kelantan football and urged KAFA to promptly address the issues for the future development of the sport in the state.