FIFA imposes strict sanctions, Malaysia Football Association has not filed an appeal

28/09/2025 18:21:00 pandatv

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) denies reports that it has submitted an appeal after FIFA imposed sanctions for alleged submission of forged documents to naturalize seven players for Malaysia.

Malaysian fans are buzzing today over reports that Honorary President Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, who is also a FIFA Council member, flew to FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich right after the world football governing body issued heavy penalties against FAM.

FAM has a 10-day window to appeal after being fined 1.9 million RM by FIFA, while seven naturalized players received one-year suspensions for using fake documents to represent Malaysia.

Fans believe Mr. Hamidin rushed to Switzerland to personally defend Malaysian football. Photo: NST

Supporters think Hamidin hurried to Switzerland to directly advocate for Malaysia. The timing of the trip fueled speculation, especially as old photos of him alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino resurfaced online.

However, FAM has denied rumors about Hamidin’s involvement in this crisis. Acting FAM President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said Hamidin’s trip was unrelated to any appeal and was only to attend the FIFA Council meeting starting on October 2nd.

"Hamidin went there to attend the FIFA Council meeting. This trip has nothing to do with the appeal," Yusoff confirmed.

Yusoff stressed that FAM will not file an appeal until FIFA clearly explains the basis of the sanctions. The final decision will first be made by FIFA’s Player Status Committee.

"We have requested FIFA to provide detailed information to fully understand the grounds for the sanctions. Once the Committee issues its final ruling, we will determine our next steps," he added.

Still, amid the turmoil in Malaysian football, fans remain hopeful that with his connections at FIFA, Hamidin might help Malaysian football turn the tide.

On September 26, FIFA issued a fine of 350,000 CHF (equivalent to 11.5 billion VND) for document forgery. Additionally, seven players — Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Figueiredo, Irazabal, and Hevel — were fined 2,000 CHF each (about 66 million VND) and banned from all football activities for one year.

According to FIFA regulations, FAM has 10 days to appeal. Afterwards, FIFA will issue the final ruling on this case. Then, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will base its decision on FIFA’s ruling to determine the "fate" of the Malaysian national team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

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