Malaysia has not rushed to make a decision following FIFA's ruling

FAM mentioned it has yet to finalize the decision on appealing to CAS after FIFA dismissed the case involving the naturalization of seven players, confirming it will await a comprehensive report before proceeding.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is carefully considering before making a final decision on appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after FIFA officially rejected the appeal regarding the illegal naturalization of seven South American-born players.

In the latest statement, Acting FAM President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the organization will not act hastily and will request a detailed written explanation from FIFA's Appeal Committee. Only after reviewing all reasons and legal grounds in that document will FAM decide whether to pursue the case at CAS.

“We respect FIFA’s decision, but will consider all legal options. After receiving the explanation, FAM’s legal team will thoroughly evaluate before deciding whether to appeal to CAS. The intention to bring the case to CAS exists, but first, we need to fully understand the rationale behind FIFA’s decision,” Yusoff told BH Sukan.

According to regulations, FAM has 10 days to request the detailed decision, and upon receiving this document, they will have 21 days to file an appeal to CAS if they choose to proceed.

Previously, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee concluded that FAM seriously violated player naturalization rules, especially falsification and fraud of documents, under Article 22 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code. Therefore, FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs and imposed a 12-month ban on the seven players involved: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano. Each player was also fined 2,000 Swiss francs.

The ruling is regarded as a significant blow to Malaysian football, especially as the case could impact upcoming international tournaments like the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Being found by FIFA to have “systematic violations” severely damages FAM’s reputation and risks further sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Meanwhile, many experts in Southeast Asia advise FAM to be cautious before continuing the appeal, as the chances of overturning the ruling are almost nonexistent. Others urge FAM to fight to the end, viewing this as an opportunity to prove their innocence and protect national honor.