KUALA LUMPUR: KL City have clarified that their latest FIFA transfer ban stems from an unpaid interest claim of RM10,404.70 owed to former import Patrick Reichelt, not unpaid wages.
KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar said the club paid Reichelt's principal salary arrears of RM101,640 in August and will settle the interest penalty in early November to lift the registration embargo.
The club were thrust back into the spotlight after a confidential FIFA letter dated Oct 15, sent from its legal hub in Miami and signed by head of disciplinary Americo Espallargas, was leaked on social media.
The letter confirmed an international and national registration ban for up to three consecutive transfer windows until Reichelt was paid in full.
Syed Yazid said the outstanding amount relates to late-payment interest on Reichelt's 2024 salary rather than base wages.
"KL City settled RM101,640 on Aug 17, before the Super League started," Syed Yazid said.
"The current issue is a claim from Reichelt's side regarding interest. It was imposed due to delayed payments for his 2024 salary.
"That amounts to just RM10,404.70, and we will settle it as soon as possible."
Syed Yazid said KL City were given 30 days from the Oct 15 notification to settle the balance and would pay early next month to lift the ban before the mid-season transfer window.
He said clearing historical liabilities remained a challenge.
"Managing KL City is a daily challenge because we still have arrears to clear," he said.
"While the amount is much less compared to what it was in the past, these debts are not just owed to players, but also to various other sources.
"So, we have to settle them one by one, while at the same time ensuring we manage our current operational expenses."
For KL City, the administrative hurdle comes months after Syed Yazid paid RM1.1 million to settle legacy debts and lift an earlier transfer ban.
That embargo left the City Boys unable to register enough players for their Super League opener against Negri Sembilan, resulting in a 3-0 walkover defeat and a RM50,000 fine from the Malaysian Football League.
Days later, they were forced to field only 10 players and one substitute in a 6-0 defeat by Kuching City.
KL City are not alone on the world governing body's registration ban portal, with several Malaysian clubs facing similar sanctions.
Terengganu said their sanction stems from legacy debts that are already being addressed through scheduled payments.
"The club have carried out their responsibilities professionally and complied with every international football legal procedure," Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd said in a statement.
"For information, the case involves past claims. The club have taken note of these claims, and periodic payments have already been made."
Terengganu said the matter would be resolved before the next registration window opens and would not derail the team's plans.
Other Malaysian clubs on the FIFA list include Kedah Darul Aman and Police, alongside single or repeat listings for Perak, Gombak, PT Athletic, and Perlis FA.
Various Kelantan-related entities — listed separately as Kelantan Red Warrior, Kelantan The Real Warriors, and Kelantan — account for more than a dozen entries.
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