Kelantan Red Warriors deny link to Kelantan FC amid FIFA probe
Nik Hafiz told Timesport that KRW submitted a full explanation to FIFA on Saturday — two days before Monday's deadline — in response to a show-cause letter from world football's governing body.
"The complainant claimed that KRW and Kelantan FC are the same club under sporting succession — that is completely untrue," said Nik Hafiz.
"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."
FIFA's Legal Handbook sets out criteria to determine sporting succession, including similar headquarters, name, legal form, colours, players, ownership, and competition level.
KRW do share the "Red Warriors" name and red-and-white colours with Kelantan FC, but Nik Hafiz insisted these are linked to Kelantan's state identity, not the previous club.
"The name 'Red Warriors' belongs to the people of Kelantan. It's used in other sports like sepak takraw. The colours come from our state flag. It's about real warriors — not branding," he said.
He admitted to being a former director at Kelantan FC but stressed he had cut ties before establishing KRW.
"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 licence."
The issue echoes the Melaka United-Melaka FC case, where the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the latter could not be held responsible as a sporting successor due to legal and operational separation.
That ruling could prove pivotal if FIFA moves to determine KRW's status using the same criteria.
Nik Hafiz said KRW are now waiting for FIFA's response and will consult the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and Amateur Football League (AFL) on the next steps.
Despite the uncertainty, KRW are continuing preparations for Tuesday's friendly against Terengganu at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium.
"We're fully ready. Coach Irfan Bakti has done an excellent job and we're targeting Super League promotion," said Nik Hafiz.
"To our fans — please be patient. This is a challenge, but we'll get through it together."
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