PETALING JAYA: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are hoping that FIFA’s disciplinary process and any subsequent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) - involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) can be concluded before the draw for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the confederation will only take further action once FIFA’s final decision is made, whether through their appeal committee or CAS.
"We will take the final decision - if it goes to CAS, then CAS; if it’s settled by FIFA’s appeal committee, then appeal committee," Windsor said.
"It all depends on FAM. Once that process is complete, the case file will be handed to the AFC to determine the consequences based on FIFA’s ruling."
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.
Windsor explained that the AFC’s disciplinary committee would study FIFA’s findings to assess any potential breaches that could affect AFC competitions.
"Our focus is only on the eligibility of the players because that is what directly affects AFC matches," he added.
"The complaint to FIFA was that certain players who represented Malaysia were not eligible to play for the national team. FIFA investigated that aspect, and we will review whatever FIFA sends us."
Windsor clarified that two separate case channels exist at FIFA - one under the disciplinary and appeal committees, and another under the Football Tribunal’s jurisdiction - and each could yield distinct decisions.
However, the AFC’s main concern is ensuring clarity over which team qualifies from Malaysia’s group in time for the 2027 Asian Cup draw.
"We have a time constraint," Windsor said.
"The Asian Cup qualification concludes on March 31 next year, and we will begin preparations for the draw after that. So we hope everything, including FIFA’s process, can be completed by then."
He acknowledged that judicial procedures take time due to formal timelines and documentation requirements, but remained hopeful that the case would be settled ahead of schedule.
