7 naturalized players consider suing FAM after FIFA 12-month sentence

Seven naturalized Malaysian players who have been suspended by FIFA for 12 months for document-related violations are reportedly planning to sue the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for compensation. The move comes after FAM admitted to a technical error in the administrative department during the application process, leading to the FIFA sanction and a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (about 56 million VND) for each player.

Key developments: Players consider legal action

According to the New Straits Times, seven players are working with foreign lawyers to assess the possibility of suing FAM to compensate for the loss of income due to the 12-month ban from all football activities. Some are said to have lost significant income, and in some cases, their contracts have even been terminated by their clubs.

“It is understandable that they are demanding compensation, as this penalty has had a huge impact on their lives and careers,” a source told the New Straits Times.

Cause of penalty: technical error in submitting application

The report stressed that FAM had admitted to administrative errors in its records, which led to FIFA's decision. All seven players were fined 2,000 Swiss francs and suspended for 12 months for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code regarding the use of forged documents.

FAM's response: appeal to CAS after FIFA rejects application

Earlier this week, FIFA rejected FAM’s appeal against the players’ eligibility. FAM is now preparing to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the decision.

Risk of consequences: from losing the case to a long ban

If CAS rules against them, FAM and the national team could face severe penalties. One scenario being discussed is losing two 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Vietnam, where naturalized players played. In addition, the “Malaysian Tigers” could face a ban of around two years, or as severe as 10 years.

List of 7 banned players and penalties

• Gabriel Palmero
• Facundo Garces
• Rodrigo Holgado
• Imanol Machuca
• Joao Figueiredo
• Jon Irazabal
• Hector Hevel

The group of players were banned from all football activities for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Wider impact: image, selection and tournament planning

The incident not only poses risks to the results of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers but also affects the team's personnel plans. In the context that FIFA has rejected the first appeal, all eyes are on the process of FAM pursuing the case at CAS and the plan to handle the contracts and professional rights of the players involved.