FFP knocks on the door, Malaysian football faces another crisis

The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirms that two of its clubs are currently subject to Financial Fair Play (FFP) investigations concerning overdue wages.

The two teams involved in the MFL are Kelantan Red Warriors (KRW FC) and Police who have been notified that FFP will soon investigate them over past debts. Previously, both clubs were required to submit proof of payment or repayment plans before the year-end deadline.

In a statement, MFL said it “is aware of the wage arrears situation related to Kelantan TRW,” adding that the club was directed by the First Instance Body (FIB) on November 14 to provide “proof of payment or a repayment plan by December 31, 2025, at the latest.”

MFL clarified that Kelantan TRW’s wage debts originated from the 2024/2025 season under the previous ownership, while “to date, no wage arrears have been recorded for the 2025/2026 season.”

The league also confirmed that Police, currently struggling after a disappointing losing streak, is under similar supervision.

“Police, a team with current season wage arrears, has also been required to submit FFP documentation by the same year-end deadline,” MFL stated.

Both clubs had previously been asked to provide payment evidence before the deadline following reports of increasing wage arrears and lingering debts from the past.

MFL added that they are coordinating with the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) to address these cases.

“Any decisions related to the wage arrears of Kelantan TRW and Police will be discussed at the upcoming FFP First Instance Body meeting,” the MFL statement concluded..

Previously, Kelantan Red Warriors were placed on FIFA’s transfer restriction list starting December 15, 2025, due to complaints from former players about unpaid wages. The club attempted to explain that the debts were from the previous ownership period but this was not accepted.

MFL is striving to maintain a positive image amid turmoil in Malaysian football caused by a tense legal battle with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), a lawsuit expected to cost FAM around 8 million Ringgit (approximately 52 billion VND). Many Malaysian football experts worry this lawsuit could push FAM into a financial crisis.

MFL asserts that funding for domestic competitions remains stable, as partners continue to trust the league’s development direction despite recent FIFA sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).