FIFA rejects appeal; Malaysian media demands FAM official resigns.
FIFA upheld the penalty after rejecting FAM's appeal on the evening of November 3rd. Journalists T. Avineshwaran and Piang Shankly called on FAM leaders to resign, stop taking the case to CAS, and stop investigating the falsification of documents.
On the evening of November 3rd, the International Football Federation (FIFA) rejected the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and upheld the previous penalties. Immediately, a wave of outrage erupted in the Malaysian media, with calls for FAM leaders to take responsibility, resign, and for an investigation into the alleged falsification of documents related to the incident, which is seen as damaging to the image of Malaysian football.
FIFA rejects appeal, immediate pressure mounts on FAM.
According to information released on the evening of November 3rd, FIFA rejected all appeals from FAM and upheld the disciplinary decisions. This development was anticipated by domestic observers, thus placing FAM's leadership at the center of criticism regarding their responsibility and transparency in handling the case.
Malaysian media demands resignation and transparency.
T. Avineshwaran's viewpoint
Journalist T. Avineshwaran (The Star) commented that this outcome was not surprising because the evidence presented by FAM had been rejected; therefore, there could be no talk of "smearing" from FIFA. He suggested that it was time for FAM officials to bravely admit their mistakes and resign to restore faith in football.
Piang Shankly's perspective
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 win rate at CAS of over 80%, so FAM should accept the current penalty, stop pursuing the case, and focus on rebuilding from the ground up, especially the club system.
Demand for an investigation into the act of document forgery.
The reaction culminated in calls for clarification and prosecution of those accused of falsifying documents. Piang Shankly stressed that whoever is involved should be reported to the police for investigation, prosecution, and permanent removal from Malaysian football. The goal is to clean up the football ecosystem and restore its reputation after the scandal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Impact and recommended course of action
The calls for resignation, acceptance of penalties, and abandonment of appeals to CAS reflect immediate priorities: organizational stability, restoration of public trust, and a focus on domestic competition. The journalists' emphasis on rebuilding the club system highlights the need to address the root causes, rather than prolonging legal disputes with low chances of success.
Notable highlights
- 3/11: FIFA rejects FAM's appeal and upholds the penalty.
- T.Avineshwaran called on FAM leaders to acknowledge their mistakes and resign.
- Piang Shankly opposes the intention to take the case to the CAS, citing FIFA's over 80% win rate.
- We demand an investigation, prosecution, and permanent removal of individuals who falsified documents in order to clean up Malaysian football.