Malaysia considers final option if FIFA appeal fails

The Football Association of Malaysia has planned to file a case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if their appeal to FIFA is unsuccessful.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has kept its information confidential amid increasing public scrutiny but has assured that it is making every effort to appeal the sanctions imposed by FIFA. If their appeal does not succeed, they may turn to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Acting FAM president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi stated that the organization has begun internal discussions to address the issue, with executive council members informed during a meeting at FAM headquarters in Kelana Jaya on September 30.

Mr. Yusoff told The Star: "We held a meeting yesterday to update the executive council members about the situation, the sanctions, and the necessary steps the association needs to take to resolve this matter. It is better that people hear the facts from us rather than from others. Now, we will wait for the decisions from FIFA and the Football Court.”

The acting FAM president said the association can only file an appeal after receiving FIFA's detailed ruling: “Once that is completed, we will prepare arguments for the appeal based on the information provided by FIFA. If the appeal fails, we will consider another option, which is the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”

According to FIFA's announcement, the Football Association of Malaysia submitted eligibility verification documents to FIFA, including altered paperwork to register seven players: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano. These players participated in the match between Malaysia and Vietnam during the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on June 10, 2025, at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

By regulation, FAM and the mentioned players have 10 days to request the detailed decision and may also appeal to FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber according to current rules. Once FIFA’s decision takes effect, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Disciplinary Committee will review and determine sanctions regarding FAM’s violations.