Troubled Malaysian giants Kelantan have revealed they could pull out of next year's Malaysia Super League (MSL) after being punished by national administrators, Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP).
The Red Warrriors were docked six competition points last week, along with T-Team, Armed Forces and Perlis, for failing to register their team on time for the 2017 season.
That setback, along with their thinning coffers, has put the East Coast side in a perilous position for next year's campaign.
They also owe 2016 wages to their former Australia international defender Jon McKain, who has taken his case to FIFA.
"Our future participation could be buried if the relevant parties do not understand the situation that has been affecting the club," Kelantan secretary Datuk Ismail Md Noor told Berita Harian.
"FAM should have thought of the negative impact on the club before deciding to punish us as they please. They should understand the meaning of professionalism because every punishment has its consequences."
The club's advisor and recent FAM presidential candidate Tan Sri Annuar Musa, had on Wednesday accused rival teams of trying to poach Kelantan's top players.
"Players with contracts can't be contacted or offered a deal through the back door, but many players have been approached," said Annuar in a Facebook posting.
The local politician continued by saying the team may not compete in the league next season under the current rules, which only benefited "rich clubs".
But just last month Annuar was pictured in a celebratory pose after the signing of Gambian forward Sanna Nyassi and Alfredo Carlos Gonzales, their new Colombian director of football, despite the team's reported money problems.
The points' deduction, however, hasn't hurt Kelantan too badly on the field, thanks to their talented hit man Mohammad Ghaddar.
The Kota Bahru-based side are a respectable seventh in the 12-team MSL after their Lebanese forward struck for the 18th time against Pahang in a 3-2 win on May 6.
But Kelantan could lose Ghaddar as early as the second transfer window next week, with a few teams reportedly hovering with interest.
Facing up to basement club Penang at home on May 24, Kelantan will, however, be confident of another three points before the league takes a six-week break for international fixtures and Ramadan.