PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have confirmed that they have submitted an appeal to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee regarding the decision to suspend seven mixed-heritage players from international duty.
FAM’s interim president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the appeal was lodged before the deadline and expressed confidence that the governing body would receive a favourable outcome.
“When we submitted the appeal, it means we are hoping for a positive decision in our favour,” said Yusoff.
“We have appointed an overseas lawyer to handle the process. We have strong faith in the national team set-up – they are a professional group with connections to internationally accredited lawyers who understand football at the global level.”
He added that the legal team had taken a meticulous approach to the case.
“We believe the appointed lawyers have done their work properly and thoroughly to ensure a positive outcome.
‘‘This is not a rushed or desperate move – we want to make sure the decision goes our way,” he said.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee recently ruled that FAM had submitted forged documents to register seven mixed-heritage players for international duty.
The investigation found discrepancies between the players’ original birth certificates and those submitted to justify their eligibility to represent Malaysia.
The players involved are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Joao Figueiredo.
