THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is awaiting the full report from an independent committee reviewing the suspension of seven Harimau Malaya players by FIFA, with the national body stressing that any next steps will follow the committee’s findings.
Acting FAM president Datuk Seri Yusoff Mahadi said the committee, chaired by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, is expected to submit its conclusions before the end of the month.
“We are still waiting for the report from Tun Raus and I expect the report to be received this month. From the report, we will see the findings presented before determining the next step,” he said, speaking to reporters after a memorandum of understanding signing event with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Centre on Sunday.
The committee was established in October to examine documentation issues relating to seven heritage players – Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel – who were each suspended for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs (approximately RM10,000) by FIFA following disciplinary proceedings. FAM itself was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (around RM1.8 million).
Yusoff confirmed that FAM has completed all processes at the FIFA level and submitted its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the ultimate arbiter of such disputes.
“In the current situation, our legal team is preparing to submit all the necessary documents. I believe we can meet the CAS procedure deadline of December 18,” he said.
He emphasised that the decision to bring the matter to CAS is not based on risk management but reflects a commitment to ensure all legal avenues are fully pursued. “We have completed the FIFA level and there is no more matter involving the world body. At CAS, this is our last process and it is an independent body that is not bound by FIFA. Whatever the decision is, it is final and must be complied with by all parties,” he added.
FAM’s approach signals the governing body’s determination to resolve the controversy transparently while respecting the authority of independent oversight and the finality of CAS adjudication.
The outcome of the independent committee’s report and the CAS ruling will set the course for the Harimau Malaya players and the national football team moving forward. - December 15, 2025
