Malaysia awaits FIFA's written decision to launch CAS appeal as fans watch in anxiety

By Hoang Nguyen November 16, 2025 | 05:00 am PT

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is yet to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as it is still waiting for a full explanation from FIFA for dismissing its appeal regarding players' document fraud.

FAM acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the association cannot prepare the complete documentation to CAS until it receives FIFA's official reasoning for rejecting its appeal.

"For now, we are just waiting for the official documents. Without FIFA's full written explanation, FAM cannot respond or take any further steps," Yusoff told New Straits Times.

He explained that the document is crucial for FAM to review FIFA's decision in detail and formulate an accurate legal challenge when it takes the case to CAS.

Yusoff emphasized the importance of handling the matter carefully, given the ruling's "serious implications" for both FAM and the national team.

Malaysian fans during the 4-0 win of their national team over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on June 10, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@malaysia_nt

The sanctions began when serious errors were found between birth certificates submitted by FAM and the originals collected by FIFA, which reportedly showed grandparents of seven naturalized players were not born in Malaysia, a crucial condition for them to play for the national team. The players joined Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers campaign, with all seven playing in a 4-0 victory over Vietnam and one in a 2-0 victory over Nepal.

As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (US$440,000). The seven players involved, including Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Hector Hevel and Joao Figueireido, were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs. They are banned from all football activities for 12 months, effective from Sept. 26.

FAM appealed the decision, but was ultimately dismissed on Nov. 3 as FIFA upheld the sanctions.

Once FAM receives FIFA's full written explanation for rejecting the appeal, it will have 21 days to file an appeal to CAS.

While Malaysia are still allowed to play the upcoming matches of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, they could face 0-3 forfeit defeats for fielding ineligible players in matches against Nepal and Vietnam.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Asian Cup organizer, will make the final decision on match results after FAM finishes all legal processes.