{
  "id": 4345486,
  "title": "'It breaks my heart': Kelantan coach laments after another thrashing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/it-breaks-my-heart-kelantan-coach-laments-after-another-thrashing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T04:41:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1521894/it-breaks-my-heart-kelantan-coach-laments-after-another-thrashing"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kelantan coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim is deeply distressed by his team's ongoing struggles in the Super League. In three recent matches, Kelantan has conceded 18 goals, while scoring just one. The coach explained that a FIFA transfer ban has prevented the club from signing new players, leaving them with a roster of inexperienced players. Only 14 players are available for the squad, with only Latif Suhaimi and Faiz Nasir having prior Super League experience. Irfan emphasized that the club's difficulties began with the previous management. The coach has written to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to seek assistance in resolving the registration issue. Meanwhile, Kuching City coach Aidil Sharin Sahak praised his team's determination after securing a 5-0 victory over Kelantan.",
  "summary": "SEREMBAN: Kelantan Red Warrior coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim is feeling the pressure after seeing his team concede 18 goals in three Super League matches.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kelantan coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim distressed by team's struggles",
    "Three recent matches saw Kelantan concede 18 goals, score 1",
    "FIFA transfer ban limits player signings to 14 available players"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kelantan's ongoing struggles, fueled by a depleted and inexperienced roster due to a FIFA transfer ban, signal a challenging road ahead for the team and its beleaguered coach.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}