FAM appeals to CAS after FIFA's penalty in the case of 7 players
FAM filed an application to CAS after FIFA rejected the appeal, maintaining the fine of 350,000 Swiss francs; 7 players were banned for 12 months, risking a 0-3 loss if the verdict is unfavorable.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after FIFA rejected the appeal and upheld the penalty imposed on seven naturalized players accused of falsifying documents. Accordingly, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football activities for 12 months.
FAM on CAS: a step to protect processes and rights
The announcement posted on FAM's Fanpage stated: "The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) respectfully announces that we have received the full explanation from the World Football Federation (FIFA) regarding the decision to reject the appeal regarding the playing status of seven naturalized Malaysian players. In light of this decision, FAM will take the necessary steps to bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."
FAM asserted that the objective of this move is to ensure fairness and safeguard the player qualification process as regulated by the Malaysian Government and relevant authorities. The statement was signed by Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Haji Mahadi, Acting President of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Penalties and identities of 7 players
Earlier this month, FIFA rejected FAM's appeal and upheld the punishment: FAM paid a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs; seven players were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned for 12 months. The list includes: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
These players participated in two matches of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, against Nepal and Vietnam respectively. According to information from the source, seven players are on the FIFA ban list because FAM could not prove their origin.
Sports impact: narrow window and potential risks
In the short term, the Malaysian national team will still be allowed to play in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Vietnam. However, according to the source, if CAS issues an unfavorable ruling, FAM and the national team risk facing heavier penalties, including a 0-3 loss in matches involving the offending player and even multi-year bans.
Given the crucial nature of the qualifying round, the possibility of being disqualified could directly impact the score and the group stage. This is a big risk that forces FAM to pursue the case to the end at CAS to minimize the loss in terms of sport and image.
Key milestones of the case
- FIFA rejected FAM's appeal and upheld the penalty.
- FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs.
- The seven players were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned for 12 months.
- Seven players played in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Vietnam.
- FAM confirmed filing an appeal to CAS, hoping to overturn the ruling.
Process perspective
According to the statement, FAM emphasized the elements of transparency, professionalism and compliance with the law in handling the case. Referring the dispute to CAS is the last legal avenue at the sports level to seek an independent judgment, to protect the rights of players who are eligible to represent Malaysia under current regulations.
The outcome of the appeal will determine not only the financial penalty and the duration of the ban, but also the validity of the matches that have taken place. In this context, every step of FAM will need to strictly follow the process, and at the same time prepare for professional and legal scenarios when CAS makes a decision.
