Felda United FC's (FUFC) shock announcement of their withdrawal from next season's M-League has been followed by what is evidently a power struggle in the team management.
Former FUFC secretary general Afizal Abu Othman, who was among 16 FUFC staff who had their services terminated, claimed that they are in the midst of securing investors for the club despite being ousted.
And he said it will be up to the new backers to decide on the fates of FUFC's players and coaches for next season.
"We have not informed the players and coaches of anything yet because they are still under Felda United until November. It also depends on the new owners," he said.
He said once everything is settled at MFL and FAM level, they will discuss with the new owners on the plans for next season.
"Personally, I want to save all the 'anak-anak Felda' because they are young, new to football.
"Football is their future, their income. Where will they go? It involves 130 of them from the President's Cup right up to the first team."
According to Afizal, they have until Oct 19 to find an investor for the team who have been granted an FC licence by FAM in the privatisation process.
However, he admitted that as for now they are not allowed to use the name Felda United or the "Fighters" by the owner of FUFC .
"I am grateful MFL and FAM are working hard to help us to prevent the team from closing shop."
"We will look into it (investors) by the end of next week at the latest because we need to do so well before the Oct 19 deadline."