Malaysia officially responds after FIFA rejects their appeal

The president of the Malaysian Football Association acknowledged being taken aback by FIFA's rejection of their appeal.

On the evening of November 3rd, FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber issued a decision to fully reject the appeal filed by the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) and seven naturalized players regarding the disciplinary sanctions previously imposed by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.

According to FIFA’s ruling, the seven players—Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vítor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano—along with the Malaysian Football Association violated Article 22 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, related to falsifying and forging documents to legitimize their eligibility to play for Malaysia’s national team.

After reviewing all documents, evidence, and holding a hearing, FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber decided to dismiss the entire appeal and uphold the penalties imposed earlier by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which include fines for the Malaysian Football Association and fines plus a 12-month playing ban for the seven players involved.

In an official statement, FAM President Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Haji Mahadi revealed that the association will request the full written decision and reasons from FIFA before deciding their next steps — which may include appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

He also emphasized that this is the first time FAM has faced such a situation, and both the legal team and management were unprepared for the outcome. Nevertheless, FAM remains committed to defending the players’ rights and protecting Malaysia’s interests in international football.

According to FIFA’s announcement, FAM and the players received the decision today. They have 10 days to request the detailed reasoning behind the decision and then 21 days to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Malaysian national team is still allowed to participate in the remaining matches of the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, under AFC disciplinary regulations, Malaysia faces the risk of a 0-3 forfeit loss in the matches against Nepal and Vietnam due to fielding ineligible players.