Malaysia consults 'CAS insiders' to sue FIFA

Following the unsuccessful appeal to FIFA, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) chose to take the case to CAS, putting the future of Malaysian football on a risky bet.

After losing the appeal to FIFA, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is preparing a final move by filing a case with the International Sports Arbitration Court (CAS). However, according to Astro Arena, this could be a risky gamble that might expose Malaysian football to even more severe consequences.

On the evening of November 6, Astro Arena revealed that Swiss lawyer Serge Vittoz, who previously advised FAM legally, has devised a five-phase strategy to bring the case to CAS. After FIFA officially rejected the appeal on November 3, FAM has 10 days to request full documentation and written reasons before submitting the lawsuit within the next 21 days. This entire effort is seen as FAM’s last hope to turn the situation around.

According to lawyer Serge Vittoz, the sanctions imposed by FIFA on FAM and seven players are considered “excessive” and “disproportionate to the violations.” Therefore, he believes appealing to CAS could help reduce the penalties. His strategy involves requesting CAS to review the entire case from the beginning rather than relying solely on FIFA’s previous decisions, arguing the penalties are disproportionate, and providing additional evidence and context that could justify the mistakes.

Additionally, FAM plans to present mitigating factors, such as demonstrating administrative misunderstandings, showing goodwill in cooperation, and proposing corrective measures like suspending or disciplining the individuals involved.

Nevertheless, Astro Arena warns that if FAM fails to persuade CAS, the consequences could be more severe. Malaysian football currently faces two separate cases according to the Secretary-General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, which means there is a risk of receiving even harsher penalties.

Astro Arena also suggests that FAM should not rely too heavily on lawyer Serge Vittoz but seek advice from local legal experts like Tan Sri Cecil Abraham, a Malaysian member of the CAS arbitration panel, to receive guidance better suited to the domestic context.

The channel concludes with a stern warning: “If FAM does not proceed carefully, the lawsuit against FIFA could become a fatal blow, forcing Malaysian football to pay a heavier price than ever before.”

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