Malaysia has not appealed to CAS yet, waiting for reasons from FIFA

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has yet to file an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), choosing to wait for a detailed explanation from FIFA after the heavy penalty was upheld. This cautious decision was made in the context that the national team faces the risk of being penalized with a 0-3 loss in the two 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam and Nepal, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) awaits the final verdict to decide the next steps.

Why has FAM not appealed to CAS yet?

According to local media, FAM confirmed that it will only initiate proceedings at CAS when it receives sufficient legal basis and detailed reasons for sanctions from FIFA. Acting FAM President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi emphasized: “We are waiting for a detailed explanation. Without receiving full documents from FIFA, FAM cannot respond or take any further steps.”

This approach is aimed at minimizing legal risks and preserving the federation's position in a case that could have wide-ranging implications for the national team as well as continental fronts.

FIFA sanctions: key numbers

• On November 3, FIFA rejected FAM's initial appeal, upholding the 350,000 Swiss franc fine against the federation.
• Seven naturalized players were banned from playing for 12 months, including: Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
• Each player was fined an additional 2,000 Swiss francs for allegedly falsifying documents in their records.

These decisions put FAM in a position to carefully prepare for any further legal steps, as all arguments at CAS need to closely follow FIFA's explanatory text.

Immediate impact on Malaysia team in Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers

While the AFC awaits the results from CAS to decide on its own solution, the Malaysian team is facing the risk of almost certainly losing 0-3 in two important matches against Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This risk puts great pressure on the team's competition plan, personnel and competitive goals in the crucial period.

At the executive level, the absence of a group of players banned from playing for 12 months also forces the parties involved to carefully calculate how to organize personnel, although the final decision still depends on the legal process.

CAS, the 21-day deadline and the role of the AFC

Once FAM receives the written explanation from FIFA, the federation will have 21 days to file a formal appeal to CAS. This is a key timeframe that will determine whether the case can be reopened at the international sports arbitration level.

In the meantime, the AFC maintains an observational stance, only giving its own form of handling after CAS has concluded. This time series puts Malaysian football into an uncertain period: it needs to ensure compliance with procedures while also preparing scenarios for the team before the continental competition schedule.

The big picture: caution to preserve opportunity

The postponement of the appeal shows that FAM has prioritized “following the right process” to build a complete dossier rather than acting hastily. With financial and disciplinary sanctions already clearly stated, any further moves will revolve around FIFA’s written explanation and the 21-day time frame. Until CAS speaks, Malaysian football will still operate in a state of waiting, with decisions that could shape the remaining journey of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.