Imigresen FC (IFC) is set to undergo a massive overhaul and rebranding exercise next season, which will include a complete name change. The move aims to strengthen the Super League club’s commercial reputation and establish a dedicated fanbase, particularly in the northern region of the country.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that discussions regarding the identity shift are finalized and an official announcement will be made in the near future.

He explained that the club’s leadership is looking to introduce a fresher identity that resonates more effectively with football fans in the northern states like Kedah and Perlis, both of which currently lack representation in the top-tier Super League.

“We will introduce a new team name as a rebranding exercise for IFC, and that is all in a process that will be announced in the near future. We have several fresh ideas for the rebranding of this team. It is more towards forming a new identity that is more suitable, especially since we play in the northern zone,” Saifuddin said.

The Home Minister expressed his confidence that a localized identity would help the club build a much larger and more vibrant community of supporters ahead of the upcoming season.

Reflecting on their debut season in the Super League, Saifuddin expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, given that IFC has successfully secured a spot within the top six of the league standings.

He added that the club’s management has also proven highly capable of handling logistics, financing, and sponsorships exactly as planned from the outset.

“For our debut season, I express my pride toward the players and the coaching staff. What is most prideful is that we managed to manage the logistical support, costs, and sponsorship just as we planned,” he stated.

In light of their commendable run, Saifuddin hinted that the management is currently considering paying out bonuses to the players as a token of appreciation for their unwavering commitment and impressive performances throughout the season.

The rebranding strategy will also address long-term venue stability. This season, IFC operated across two different home grounds, playing at the Penang State Stadium in Batu Kawan and the Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium in Kangar, Perlis.

Saifuddin did not rule out the possibility of eventually anchoring the team in Kedah, emphasizing his open-minded approach to expanding the club’s regional footprint. He noted that IFC started in Penang before moving to Perlis for the time being, and he remains open to all suggestions, including making Kedah their permanent home ground.

With the off-season approaching, the Home Minister warned the squad that the break is not a time for complacency. He disclosed that he has already advised the coaching staff and the Chief Executive Officer to maintain total focus during the off-season because it is not a time for them to rest, but rather a period where preparations must continue.

Saifuddin stated that he believes Head Coach Yusri Che Lah has already structured a schedule of activities for the players to ensure the team’s preparation for next season is at a much better performance level.

IFC, currently sitting sixth in the league, will wrap up their historic debut Super League campaign tonight in a home clash against Melaka FC at the Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium in Kangar.