Malaysia plans CAS appeal following critical FIFA findings on eligibility fraud case
Malaysias football association announced on Tuesday its intention to proceed with an appeal to the premier global sports tribunal just hours after FIFA published a severe report concerning an eligibility controversy that resulted in bans for seven players.
The international football authority barred the seven players of foreign origin for one year and imposed a $440000 fine on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) back in September due to the submission of fabricated paperwork claiming the players possessed Malaysian heritage.
On Monday the FIFA appeals panel disclosed its complete decision detailing the reasons for dismissing the FAMs challenge to the penalties.
The document further mandated a thorough probe into the FAMs behaviour and administration highlighting its failure to implement any notable disciplinary measures such as suspensions terminations or notifications to local officials.
It continued This lapse indicates an absence of responsibility and casts doubt on the organisational culture within the entity.
As a result the panel directs the administration to promptly commence an official inquiry into the FAMs internal workings.
The FAM rejected any intentional misconduct and lodged an appeal with FIFA in October subsequently pausing its secretary generals duties and committing to form an impartial panel for review.
In a Tuesday statement acting president Yusoff Mahadi remarked The FAM will commence the procedure to present this matter to CAS.
This measure aims to safeguard fairness and protect the validity of the Malaysian governments player selection mechanisms and associated entities.
FAM stays dedicated to advocating for the entitlements of all qualified athletes representing the nation and will pursue all steps with professionalism openness and via appropriate legal avenues.
The FIFA eligibility examination began after a grievance was filed post Malaysias 40 victory over Vietnam in a June Asian Cup qualifying match where two of the sanctioned players netted goals.
The probe revealed that none of Hector Hevel Jon Irazabal Gabriel Palmero Facundo Garces Rodrigo Holgado Imanol Machuca or Joao Brandao Figueiredo had Malaysian born parents or grandparents a prerequisite for national team involvement.