FAM remains calm amid Nepal's complaint to FIFA, awaiting the appeal outcome

16/10/2025 20:31:00 FieldFrenzy

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has remained composed after Nepal filed a complaint with FIFA, alleging that Malaysia used players who were not eligible to compete in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, emphasizing that the matter is currently being addressed through an appeal.

Acting FAM President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi stated that the association is aware of Nepal’s protest but sees no cause for concern since this is the same issue previously raised by Vietnam.

"This situation is exactly the same as with the Vietnam national team. We don’t need to overthink Nepal’s complaint; the key thing now is the outcome of the appeal," Yusoff said when contacted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was attending the AFC annual awards ceremony.

"Everything Nepal has raised pertains to those seven players. Therefore, whether we win or lose the appeal, the impact will be the same for both matches – against Vietnam and Nepal. Now, we just await the final decision."

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has downplayed the severity of the complaint Nepal recently lodged with FIFA, which concerns allegations that Malaysia fielded ineligible players in an Asian Cup qualifier match. Photo: NST

Yusoff affirmed that FAM is not taking the matter lightly but stressed that the current focus is on overturning FIFA’s disciplinary ruling.

"We are not ignoring the complaint, but all attention right now is on the appeals process. Let’s wait for the result, that is what matters. If the appeal succeeds, the issues in both matches will be resolved automatically," he said.

Earlier this week, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) officially filed a petition with FIFA requesting the annulment of the 0-2 loss to Malaysia in March, citing that midfielder Hector Hevel – one of the goal scorers in that match – was found to be ineligible to play.

This move followed FIFA’s decision on September 26 to sanction FAM for allegedly submitting fraudulent documents concerning seven naturalized players, including Hector Hevel, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal, and Gabriel Palmero. Each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football activities for 12 months, while FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (equivalent to 1.9 million RM).

So far, the disciplinary action has only led FIFA to annul Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June, but Nepal’s complaint could trigger further consequences if FIFA extends its review to other matches.

According to regulations, if the appeal fails, Malaysia could be handed 0-3 forfeits in both matches against Vietnam and Nepal. However, FAM insists the issue arose from an "administrative error" rather than intentional falsification of documents.

The appeal result – expected to be announced soon – will determine whether Malaysia’s wins over Vietnam and Nepal will stand or be revoked.

Comment (0)