Debt-ridden Red Warriors need your money

A DEBT-RIDDEN Kelantan have no money to settle former player Cassio de Jesus’ salary arrears of RM629,620.28 by the end of this month.

The Premier League team are now hoping that their supporters will dip into their own pockets to save them from being sanctioned by Fifa.

In a statement, the Kelantan FA (Kafa) disclosed that the world body, on April 23, had given them 30 days to settle the debt or risk sanctions, which include points’ deduction and fines.

The Red Warriors have also been barred from signing players in the next two transfer windows.

Brazilian striker De Jesus featured for Kelantan in 2018 and 2019 before joining Indonesian club Barito Putra.

Kafa actions committee chairman Ahmad Muzakkir Hamid claimed that the suspension of the M-League and the ongoing Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) have made it tough for them to generate revenue and settle debts.

“Furthermore, all businesses with our stakeholders have stopped while a prospective sponsor, who was supposed to tie up with us, has shied away,” said Muzakkir.

“The fans have got to chip in. Kelantan need money to settle that debt.

“If we fail to settle that debt, things will become complicated for us.”

This is not the first time Fifa have come down hard on Kelantan.

Last year, Fifa ordered Kelantan to pay former technical director Alfredo Carlos Gonzales RM235,686 within 30 days, a sum that included the wage claim, penalties and legal costs.

Following the failure to settle the debt with the stipulated time, Kelantan were docked three points by the FA of Malaysia (FAM), as ordered by Fifa.

With a shoe-string budget, Kelantan have other debts to settle.

They also owe the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) close to RM1 million.

Kelantan are seventh in the Premier League with four points after three matches.

Those who wish to help Kelantan can channel their donations via Maybank account 553010630676 (Persatuan Bolasepak Kelantan).

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