KUALA LUMPUR — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed it will appeal FIFA’s decision to sanction the body and seven naturalised players, stressing that both the association and the players acted transparently and in good faith throughout the process.
In a statement, FAM acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said all documentation and procedures had been handled according to FIFA’s guidelines, and that the governing body itself had previously reviewed and approved the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia.
“FAM and the players have acted in good faith and full transparency throughout this process. FIFA itself had previously verified and confirmed the eligibility of these players,” Yusoff said.
He added that FAM would file an appeal and “use every legal avenue available to protect the interests of our players and the national team.”
Yusoff also reiterated the association’s commitment to upholding international regulations while defending the integrity of Malaysian football, adding that FAM would continue working with the government and stakeholders to ensure the case is handled fairly and transparently.
“Further updates on the appeal process and next steps will be announced in due course,” he said.
Earlier, FIFA announced it had fined FAM CHF350,000 (RM1.8 million) and banned seven players for 12 months over falsified eligibility documents.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee said FAM breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which deals with forgery and falsification, by submitting doctored paperwork ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, 2025.
The players named are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
All seven featured in Malaysia’s 4–0 win over Vietnam before FIFA received a formal complaint questioning the eligibility of Garcés, Holgado, Figueiredo, Irazábal, and Hevel.
After evaluating the evidence, FIFA imposed fines of CHF2,000 (RM10,600) on each player and barred them from all football-related activities for 12 months, effective from the date of notification of the decision.
FIFA said FAM and the sanctioned players have ten days to request a detailed written decision, which could then be appealed before the FIFA Appeal Committee. — September 27, 2025
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