Hannah Yeoh.-Bernamapic
PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) ongoing dispute with FIFA has become a waiting game, as Malaysians await clarity on the fate of the national game.
But how long will it be?
After FIFA hit back hard at FAM regarding forged documents of seven mixed-heritage players, the national body stood firm on their stance that there was no wrongdoing on their part - with an administrative error being the root cause.
With FAM pushing back hard and confirming that they are going all out legally to appeal FIFA’s ruling, that process itself could take more than a month.
FAM have until Oct 14 to submit their official appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee (FAC), and from there, it could take months for a decision.
With seven players - Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Figueiredo - involved in the case, the appeal process could take several months.
If FAM are found guilty again, they could request that the case be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which FAM have previously stated could be an avenue that they would seek.
While this happens, the Harimau Malaya are in the midst of their 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifiers campaign, where they take on Laos at the New Laos National Stadium today.
However, their 4-0 win over Vietnam in a previous qualifier on June 10 hangs in the balance, as Malaysia could see their win be given to Vietnam as the mixed-heritage players had played in that match.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have stated that they will not make any decision regarding this case until the final ruling is made by either the FIFA Appeal Committee or CAS.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has urged all parties to give FAM room to complete the appeal process.
Not wanting to rush things, Hannah said jumping the gun would have no benefit as the case is still under appeal.
"Let FAM complete their appeal," she said at the 2025 Sepak Takraw League Clinic yesterday.
"I understand that many are calling for immediate action, but we have to follow the process step by step.
"Let the appeal be completed first, and only then can we discuss the next course of action."
Last month, FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil) and seven naturalised players 2,000 Swiss francs (RM11,000) and were each given a 12-month suspension from football.
This was after the world governing body found discrepancies in their documentation and issued the fines last month, which was the result of a complaint lodged after Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in June.
