FIFA rejects appeal, Malaysian media criticizes FAM

FIFA rejected the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on the evening of November 3, upholding the penalties related to FAM and 7 players. Malaysian media called this a “heavy blow”, while FAM expressed surprise and considered going to CAS.

FIFA's decision and its consequences for the national team

According to Free Malaysia Today, “FIFA has rejected the appeal by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) against the sanctions imposed on the national football association and seven players. As a result, the national team will be deducted points in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign.”

The New Straits Times (NST) highlighted the decisive stance from the world football governing body and the direct consequences for Malaysia's journey at the national team level.

Wave of reactions from Malaysian press

NST posted a strong message: “With FIFA’s final ruling, the message could not be clearer – fraud has no place in world football and Malaysia’s football governing body will now have to rebuild its image from the ashes.”

Free Malaysia Today called this a “hard blow” to FAM after a long wait for results. On Scoop, author Julie Jalaluddin expressed disappointment, saying that “FIFA’s disciplinary decision has dealt a heavy blow to the reputation and governance of this organization.”

FAM's stance: surprise and towards CAS

NST said FAM was “stunned by FIFA’s decision and turned to CAS for their last hope.” FAM Acting President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said: “This is the first time FAM has faced a situation like this and our lawyers and management are surprised by the decision. However, FAM will continue to resolutely defend the rights of our players and the interests of Malaysian football at the international level.”

Background of the incident and long-term impact

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) said FIFA has rejected FAM’s appeal regarding the illegal naturalization of seven players. The ruling puts FAM in a double dilemma: dealing with the sporting consequences (the risk of points being deducted in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers) and restoring its image after harsh criticism from the domestic media.

If the case continues to be pursued at CAS as NST mentioned, FAM will face a legal process that requires resources and careful preparation, while pressure from the team's performance and public trust still exists.

Key Highlights

• FIFA rejected the appeal on the evening of November 3, upholding the penalty for FAM and 7 players.
• Free Malaysia Today: National team faces points deduction in 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
• NST: message "fakeness has no place", FAM needs to "rebuild image".
• Scoop: The ruling seriously affects FAM's reputation and governance.
• FAM, according to NST, considers going to CAS; Acting President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi affirms to protect the interests of players and Malaysian football.

Immediate impact

The threat of points deductions puts Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign at a disadvantage. On the other hand, how FAM handles the crisis—from communications, legal to governance—will reshape the trust of fans and partners in the coming time.