Huge blow: Jon Irazabal is one of the Johor Darul Ta’zim players who was suspended by FIFA. — Malaysia NT
THE dust has not settled yet and neither has the disappointment.
FIFA’s appeal committee have dismissed the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) bid to overturn their ruling in the eligibility scandal involving seven mixed-heritage players.
The verdict, while expected by some, now forces a crucial question – what is next?
At the heart of it, FAM’s challenge now moves from defence to damage control. The next step is the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – football’s last legal frontier.
But what CAS review is not the facts of the case, rather the process.
Did FIFA follow their own rules? Were FAM given a fair hearing? Were procedural timelines respected?
If procedural lapses are found, FAM could have a slim window of hope. But if CAS confirm that FIFA’s disciplinary committee acted correctly, then the 12-month suspension stands – a verdict that will echo far beyond the courtroom.
This timeline matters greatly because of the AFC competitions ahead.
The last AFC qualifying match is on March 31, 2026 and a delayed decision could affect Malaysia’s participation and seeding.
Not forgetting Johor Darul Ta’zim, where three players – Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal and Joao Figueiredo – played in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The administrative domino effect is real – it is not as simple as replacing one team with another, as every slot impacts rankings and tournament structure.
But beyond the procedural fight lies the uncomfortable truth – this was an avoidable crisis.
FIFA’s motivated decision was explicit – both FAM and government agencies could have verified the authenticity of player documents but did not.
FIFA obtained genuine records, a point that weakens FAM’s defence of “good faith”.
FIFA charged the case under Article 22 (falsification) – a serious offence tied directly to sporting integrity.
While mitigating factors like cooperation and a clean record helped FAM avoid harsher sanctions, the association were still found liable.
The minimum penalty – a 12-month suspension – was issued, not as a punishment of convenience, but as a statement – shortcuts in player naturalisation will not be tolerated.
The consequences could stretch further. Once FIFA’s process concludes, the AFC Disciplinary Committee will assess whether Malaysia breached their own tournament regulations.
Double jeopardy prevents duplicate punishments, but forfeitures, point deductions, or even disqualification remain possibilities – depending on the CAS outcome.
For now, the biggest danger is not the ban itself, but the erosion of credibility.
This is FAM’s first major disciplinary case of this nature, and it has exposed weaknesses in governance, verification, and oversight.
There is also a caution for government and private entities. While the Youth and Sports Ministry can demand transparency, any direct interference risks suspension for violating FIFA’s rule against political intrusion.
Football’s autonomy is non-negotiable – even if public funds are involved.
The path forward must be rooted in accountability and reform. CAS will rule on legality, but trust is something only FAM can rebuild.
A structural audit of registration procedures, a transparent chain of documentation, and a re-education of administrative staff are not optional – they are essential.
This saga is more than a disciplinary issue; it’s a test of integrity. For Malaysia, the lesson is simple yet stinging – in football, intent does not absolve responsibility.
The coming weeks will decide FAM’s fate on paper. But their real challenge begins afterwards – rebuilding the confidence of their players, their partners, and a nation that has waited too long for professionalism to match passion.
