Kedah Darul Aman FC–Kedah FA state football team schism

The "schism" between Kedah Darul Aman FC and Kedah FA state football team is a direct consequence of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) initiative to privatize all football clubs, resulting in the existence of two distinct entities representing the state of Kedah. KDA FC is the professional club that inherited the original team's history, while a new, amateur Kedah FA was recently revived by the state's football association, Kedah Football Association (KFA).

History

The original Kedah Football Association (KFA) team, established in 1924, turned professional in 1994 and was eventually privatized in 2021, forming the entity known today as Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC).[1][2][3] This was done to meet the national body's club licensing requirements, with KFA relinquishing all ownership. KDA FC is now managed by Darulaman Football Club Sdn. Bhd. under the majority ownership of Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar.[4] However, the KFA decided to revive a separate, amateur Kedah FA team in 2025 to compete in the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League.[5][6] This new team is distinct from KDA FC and does not inherit the original club's extensive history or honours, which include multiple league titles and FA Cups.

Conflict and Rivalry

The simultaneous existence of two teams from the same state has caused significant confusion and division among supporters, who are split over which club to back.[7][8] The situation has also led to public disagreements between the managements of both entities, with KFA chairman Ibrahim Ismail clarifying that his association is not responsible for KDA FC's financial issues, such as salary arrears.[9]

Despite the tensions, some observers see a potential for a healthy rivalry.[10]

A notable match occurred on October 11, 2025, when Kedah FA defeated KDA FC 1–0 in a Liga A1 Semi-Pro match at the Darul Aman Stadium.[11]


Club Comparison
Aspect KDA FC (Kedah Darul Aman FC) Kedah FA (Kedah Football Association)
Status Professional club Amateur team / developmental squad
Governing Body Darulaman Football Club Sdn. Bhd. (private ownership) Kedah Football Association (KFA), under the state government
History Inherited the history and honors of the original Kedah state team A new, separate entity; does not inherit previous history
League (2025–26) Competes in the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League Competes in the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League
Funding Relies on private funding and sponsorships; facing financial challenges Receives funding and support from the state government and KFA

References

  1. ^ "Sejarah Bola Sepak Kedah - Sejarah Perkembangan" (in Malay). Memori Kedah. 17 February 2011. Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  2. ^ Ismail, Izzali (2020-10-21). "Skuad Lang Merah dikenali Kedah Darul Aman FC". Berita Harian. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
  3. ^ Bedi, Rashvinderjeet; Kia Jin, Poh (12 June 2025). "In the red and salaries unpaid – what's ailing Malaysia's football clubs?". Channel News Asia. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar Kini Pemilik Saham Terbesar KDA" [Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar is now the largest shareholder of KDA FC] (in Malay). Vocket FC. 6 September 2022. Archived from the original on 6 September 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Mengapa Persatuan Bola Sepak Kedah Sertai Liga A1 Semi-Pro?". Sukanz.
  6. ^ "16 Pasukan Sah Sertai Liga A1 Semi Pro 2025-2026". Bernama.
  7. ^ Marzuki, Zikry (5 June 2025). "Sampai 2 pasukan ke Liga A1, apa beza dan keperluan adanya KDA FC dan Kedah FA?". Majoriti. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  8. ^ Marzuki, Zikry (1 July 2025). "Sebelum konflik Kedah-KDA FC, ada 3 lagi kelab senegeri berkongsi liga". Majoriti. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  9. ^ Ismail, Sarina (11 February 2024). "KFA tiada kaitan isu gaji tertunggak KDA FC". Harakahdaily. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  10. ^ Amil, Frezella (4 August 2025). "Syukur khazanah Kedah masih bernyawa, fans tegar seru sokong 2 wakil Liga A1". Majoriti. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  11. ^ Ahmad, Muhamad Aimy (11 October 2025). "Derbi Hijau Kuning: Kedah FA tewaskan KDA FC 1-0". Utusan Malaysia. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
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