KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has stated that the sanctions imposed in the eligibility case involving seven national team players appear disproportionate, despite acknowledging the authority of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The governing body said it would assess the ruling further once the full CAS Award is released.
“While FAM respects the authority of CAS, it considers that the sanctions imposed appear disproportionate, particularly when compared to sanctions imposed in similar cases before CAS. FAM will assess this further once the full Award is available,” FAM said in a statement today.
The ruling concerns the submission of falsified eligibility documents related to the registration of seven “heritage” players.
A CAS panel found that the infraction had been established and ruled that the 12-month ban from matches imposed by Fifa last September was a reasonable and proportionate sanction, citing the players’ “complicit responsibility in this fraud”.
The players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
However, CAS determined that the suspension should apply only to matches and not to all football-related activities. This means the players may resume training with their respective clubs during the ban.
CAS also dismissed FAM’s consolidated appeal and confirmed that the fine of CHF350,000 imposed on the national body by Fifa on Sept 26, 2025 remains in place.
“We acknowledge receipt of the operative part of the Award issued by CAS in the appeals filed by FAM and the seven players,” said FAM.
“FAM’s appeal has been dismissed. The players’ appeal has been partially upheld, with their sanctions amended, although they remain prevented from playing for another eight months.
“The full reasoning of the Award has not yet been issued, and further comment on the merits will be reserved until the grounds for the decision have been reviewed.”
FAM added that throughout these proceedings, it has accepted responsibility for oversight failures.
“Investigations by federal agencies in Malaysia and Fifa remain ongoing. FAM will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities,” it added.
“The outcome remains deeply disappointing, particularly for the players. They were not involved in the administrative process and had no knowledge of the administrative matters involved. The players are Malaysians who obtained citizenship in accordance with the laws of Malaysia.”
The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Disciplinary Committee is also expected to deliberate on the status of Malaysia’s matches in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Vietnam, which Harimau Malaya won 2-0 and 4-0, respectively.
