Malaysian football rejects FIFA's 'inaccurate and unfair' sanctions, set to appeal

Malaysia's naturalized players Jon Irazabal (number 5), Rodrigo Holgado (19), Joao Figueireido (14) and Hector Hevel (13) in their 4-0 win over Vietnam (red jersey) in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on June 10, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Tu

FIFA released the detailed disciplinary report on Monday night, 10 days after announcing sanctions against FAM and its seven naturalized players, including monetary fines and a one-year suspension from football. The report centers on the birth certificates of the naturalized players' grandparents, which were found to be falsified.

FAM had submitted birth certificates stating that these players' grandparents were born in Malaysia, a crucial factor for them to be naturalized based on bloodline. However, during the investigation, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) uncovered original birth certificates proving that the grandparents were instead born in Argentina, Brazil the Netherlands and Spain.

FDC accused FAM of being negligent in its authentication process, claiming that FAM had either forged or falsified documents or intentionally evaded the law with the players involved.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FAM firmly denied these allegations, stating that it had thoroughly reviewed FIFA's conclusions. The association maintained that all documents related to the players had been prepared, verified and handled in accordance with procedures, and that the players had acted in good faith, trusting the verification and registration processes managed by FAM.

"FAM view several conclusions seriously, particularly the allegations that the players 'obtained falsified documents' or deliberately sought to dodge eligibility regulations," the statement wrote, as quoted by The Star.

"FAM stress that no evidence supporting these allegations have been presented by FIFA.

"FAM believe this characterisation is inaccurate and unfair, and this matter will be raised thoroughly through the official appeal process. We remain committed to defending the interests of Malaysian football, protecting the rights of the players, and ensuring that this process proceeds transparently and in accordance with regulations. FAM will utilize all available legal avenues to pursue this case."

Additionally, FAM disclosed that the case involves sensitive official records connected to the Malaysian government's passport and registration procedures, which fall under the Official Secrets Act 1972 and the Passport Act 1966. Therefore, FAM said it is "legally bound to maintain confidentiality" and will share information only with FIFA for the purposes of this case, according to Scoop.

FAM now has three days to notify FIFA of its intention to appeal, starting from the date the detailed disciplinary report was released. They then have five additional days to submit a complete appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee.

If FAM is dissatisfied with the appeal result, they have 10 days to request a detailed appeal report from the FIFA Appeal Committee. They would then have 21 days to file a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Both parties must agree to take the case to court before CAS can proceed. FIFA typically does not refuse such requests.

Once the result is finalized, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which is responsible for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, will receive it and pass it on to its Disciplinary Committee for further action. According to the regulations, Malaysia could face 0-3 forfeits in previous matches or even elimination from the tournament if the players who violate the rules are involved.

In the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Malaysia used all seven of the ineligible players in their 4-0 victory over Vietnam at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on June 10. They are currently leading Group F with six points.