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Kelantan 'not approved' to register new import players for 2017 MSL

Troubled Kelantan could land themselves in the further trouble if they decide to field new signing L'Imam Seydi in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) after the game's administrators confirmed the club's transfer ban remains in place.

Kelantan had also signed Lebanese striker Abou Bakr Al-Mel to replace countryman Mohammed Ghaddar after the latter left for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for a record fee.

While the transfer was approved, Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) issued a reminder to the Red Warriors not to add to their squad.

"FMLLP cannot approve the registration of Kelantan's two import players because they are still mired in debt," read a statement.

"As long as this transfer ban is in effect, every transfer has to get the approval of the league management. If it doesn't bring a positive impact to the finances of the team, or keeps the team in debt, then the agreement cannot be approved."

Over the weekend, Kelantan again incurred the wrath of FIFPro, who slammed the club for signing new imports, despite ignoring payment to their former Australia international defender Jon McKain.

In a tweet, the world players' union urged the Professional Association Footballers Malaysia to look into the case of McKain, who has yet to receive several months' salary from 2016, and has taken his case to FIFA.

Kelantan advisor Tan Sri Annuar Musa condemned FMLLP's action, and tried to justify the purchase of Seydi.

"Don't FMLLP know that all the cash received from Ghaddar's transfer is used to pay off players' salaries and the purchase of Ghaddar's replacement, instead of Seydi? Don't they know Seydi is brought in to replace [Alessandro] Celin who is injured?" Annuar said on his Facebook page.

"Do FMLLP want clubs to waste money by retaining unfit players, so that the Red Warriors, who already have been docked points, just fade into oblivion, and are not able to compete?"

Kelantan were deducted six competition points on May 2 for failing to complete the necessary team registration process required by the league, along with T-Team, Perlis and Armed Forces.

T-Team and Perlis had their penalties halved to three points on appeal after completing the registration process before May 15.