FAM lodges FIFA appeal over legacy player documentation case

THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has officially submitted an appeal to FIFA in an effort to overturn disciplinary action taken against the governing body and seven Harimau Malaya heritage players over documentation issues.

FAM Acting President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi confirmed that the appeal was filed before the FIFA-imposed deadline by a team of international legal experts appointed to handle the case.

The move follows FIFA’s decision earlier this month to sanction FAM and the players after ruling that inconsistencies in official registration documents breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which addresses forgery and falsification.

“When we sent the appeal, it meant we were hoping for a positive decision in our favour. The lawyer appointed was a lawyer from abroad,” said Mohd Yusoff.

“Malaysia NT is a professional group and of course they have connections with many international lawyers who understand football at the international level. Malaysia NT has a network of more skilled or knowledgeable lawyers to assist us with the appeal process. In fact, this appeal process is like a second round for us in this case.”

He emphasised that the documents submitted in support of the appeal had been thoroughly and meticulously prepared, adding: “It doesn't appear that it was done carelessly or out of desperation because we want to ensure the decision is in our favour.”

FIFA’s disciplinary report, released on 6 October 2025 and titled *Notification of the Grounds of the Decision*, outlines that the sanctions stem from irregularities in the registration documents of seven players: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel.

The decision resulted in FAM being fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million), while each player received a CHF2,000 (RM10,000) fine and a 12-month suspension from all football-related activity.

FAM had earlier attributed the issue to a technical error by administrative staff during the submission process and has since taken steps to rectify the situation.

The appeal marks a crucial step for FAM as it seeks to protect the national team’s integrity and restore the eligibility of key players ahead of upcoming international fixtures. - October 15, 2025