Regent of Johor to cover all costs of FAM's appeal against FIFA

The announcement was made on Wednesday as a show of support in "seeking justice" for the seven players suspended by FIFA over eligibility issues, after FAM was found to have used falsified documents to naturalize them.

"I will bear everything. Not the people's money," Tunku Ismail said briefly when asked about the funding, as quoted by New Straits Times.

Tunku Ismail, who is also the owner of Malaysia’s biggest football club Johor Darul Ta'zim, is expected to ease FAM's significant financial burden by covering all legal and travel costs. The move is also seen as a confidence boost for Malaysia's legal team.

Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent and Crown Prince of Johor. Photo by Instagram/@hrhcrownprinceofjohor

FAM confirmed it would take the case to CAS after its initial appeal was dismissed by the FIFA Appeal Committee (FAC) on Monday.

Tunku Ismail stated he was not bothered by any potential repercussions from FIFA over his recent public criticisms of the world football governing body.

"Not worried about action from FIFA. Go ahead," he added.

FAC upheld the original ruling from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) on Sept. 26, which included a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (US$432,000) for FAM and a year-long ban from all football activities for the seven players, who were also fined 2,000 Swiss francs each.

The suspended players were Rodrigo Holgado, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

FAM will have 10 days to submit a petition to FAC for a detailed appeal report, and then 21 days to submit a lawsuit to CAS.