President of the Malaysian Football Association: 'FAM will fight FIFA for justice'

The Malaysian Football Association has confirmed it will continue its "battle" with FIFA to protect the image and reputation of national football.

At noon on November 4th, the Malaysian Football Association made further notable statements after FIFA rejected their appeal. According to New Straits Times, FAM is preparing for a “major battle” to contest FIFA’s ruling, aiming to defend the image and honor of the country's football.

Accordingly, Acting President of FAM, Datuk Yusoff Mahadi, affirmed that the association will gather all necessary documents, evidence, and arguments before taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“FAM will compile the full dossier and relevant information to submit to CAS, hoping to overturn the sanctions imposed by FIFA,” said Yusoff. “The appointed lawyers will thoroughly examine every aspect. FAM will not remain silent and will use every possible measure to seek justice.”

He emphasized that FAM will not back down from a decision they believe seriously threatens the future of Malaysian football.

According to regulations, FAM has 21 days to file an appeal. During this period, the association’s experienced legal team will work diligently to finalize the legal documents.

Previously, FAM failed in its appeal to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which upheld the original penalties.

FIFA fined FAM 350,000 CHF (equivalent to about 1.8 million Malaysian ringgit) and suspended 7 players involved in the document forgery scandal. Each player was also fined 2,000 CHF (approximately 10,800 ringgit) and banned from all football activities for 12 months.

The seven players are Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

Yusoff acknowledged that this legal battle might be long and costly, but FAM is ready to face any hardship to protect Malaysia’s reputation internationally.

“We understand this process is not easy, but for the pride of Malaysian football, FAM is prepared to confront all challenges,” he said. “Despite the earlier appeal failure, we will not give up. We hope fans nationwide continue to support and pray for us.”

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