Kelantan are considering the possibility of withdrawing from the 2017 Malaysia Super League (MSL) should they fail to secure a sponsor before the new season kicks off on Jan 20.
Cosmetics tycoon Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman, also known as Dr. Vida, is understood to have halted her two-year sponsorship deal, worth RM 16 million, which leaves the Red Warriors in limbo.
Vida had up to 50 clauses when she bought the team before the 2016 season, including painting the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium pink. She's understood to have been frustrated with the lack of financial returns associated with running an MSL team.
Her decision leaves the future of the East Coach giants in serious jeopardy, with the state government also reportedly not willing to fund the state side.
"If we fail to get sponsors, there is a real possibility that Kelantan will not feature in the 2017 season," Kelantan vice president Datuk Rosmadi Ismail told Astro Awani.
Kelantan are battling with financial challenges that stretch back to 2014, with some former players claiming that wages haven't been paid.
Their former Bulgarian coach Velizar Popov left the team in October, citing a lack of direction due to financial uncertainty.
Tan Sri Annuar Musa resigned as president the following month, leaving the club scrambling to find any sort of financial means.
Kelantan reportedly need at least RM 15 million to run the club for the 2017 season.
Despite all the financial uncertainties, the Red Warriors have retained the services of former Birmingham City midfielder Margaro Gomis.
New coach Zahasmi Ismail has also invited former Terengganu centre-back Vincent Bikana for trials at the club.
While managing to retain the services of captain Badhri Radzi and Nor Farhan Mohammad, Kelantan have already lost some key players for the new season should they be able to take part.
Australian-born Brendan Gan recently announced his departure from the club, while winger Wan Zack Haikal has joined 2016 MSL runners up Felda United.
Kelantan finished a respectable fourth in the MSL last season, much owed to the discipline and vision that Popov instilled in the team when he took over in May.