FIFA rejects appeal, Malaysian newspaper demands FAM official resign
FIFA upheld the suspension after rejecting FAM's appeal on the evening of November 3. Two journalists, T. Avineshwaran and Piang Shankly, called on FAM's leadership to resign, stop bringing the case to CAS, and investigate the falsification of documents.
On the evening of November 3, the International Football Federation (FIFA) rejected the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and upheld the previous penalties. Immediately, a wave of indignation erupted in the Malaysian media, with calls for the leaders of FAM to take responsibility, resign and investigate the falsification of documents related to the incident, which was considered to damage the image of football in this country.
FIFA rejects appeal, immediate pressure on FAM
According to information released on the evening of November 3, FIFA rejected all of FAM’s appeals and upheld the disciplinary decisions. This development was predicted by domestic observers, thereby pushing FAM’s leadership into the center of a storm of criticism regarding responsibility and transparency in handling the case.
Malaysian media calls for resignation and transparency
Viewpoints of T.Avineshwaran
Journalist T. Avineshwaran (The Star) commented that this outcome was not surprising because the evidence presented by FAM had been rejected; therefore, it is impossible to talk about “smearing” from FIFA. He said that it is time for FAM officials to have the courage to admit their mistakes and resign to restore trust in football.
Piang Shankly's views
Journalist Piang Shankly criticized the plan to continue appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), calling it “futile” and “a waste of money”. According to him, FIFA has a winning rate of more than 80% at CAS, so FAM should accept the current penalty, stop pursuing the lawsuit and focus on rebuilding from the foundation, especially the club system.
Demand for investigation into document forgery
The reaction has been culminating in calls for those accused of falsifying documents to be identified and prosecuted. Piang Shankly stressed that whoever is involved should be reported to the police for investigation, prosecution and permanent removal from Malaysian football. The aim is to clean up the football ecosystem and restore the reputation after the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying scandal.
Impact and recommended course of action
The calls for resignations, acceptance of the sanctions and suspension of appeals to CAS reflect the immediate priorities: stabilising the organisation, restoring public confidence and focusing on the domestic playing scene. The journalists’ emphasis on rebuilding the club system reflects the need to address the root causes, rather than prolonging legal disputes with little chance of success.
Notable Highlights
- 11/3: FIFA rejected FAM's appeal and upheld the penalty.
- T.Avineshwaran called on FAM leaders to admit their mistakes and resign.
- Piang Shankly opposed the idea of taking the case to CAS, citing FIFA's win rate of over 80%.
- Call for investigation, prosecution and permanent removal of individuals who falsified documents to clean up Malaysian football.
