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77 / 5.000 FAM speaks out against FIFA, talks about the big battle to protect Malaysian football

07:46 04/11/2025
(PLO) – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said it was shocked by FIFA’s decision to uphold the ban on the body and seven foreign players involved in the document falsification scandal.FAM Acting President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said: “FAM will prepare all relevant documents and information to submit to CAS in an effort to overturn the sanctions imposed by FIFA. The appointed lawyers will look into all necessary issues, and FAM will not remain silent on this matter. We will use all available means to seek justice.”

Datuk Yusoff Mahadi stressed that FAM will not back down or bow to a decision that they believe will seriously affect the future of Malaysian football. FAM will make full use of the 21-day deadline given by FIFA to ensure that all aspects are thoroughly reviewed by FAM’s experienced team of lawyers.

FAM’s hopes of overturning the FIFA disciplinary committee’s decision were dashed after the FIFA appeals committee issued a statement on the night of November 3, upholding its previous decision on September 26 to fine Malaysian football.

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FAM acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi. Photo: New Straits TimesFIFA confirmed a CHF 350,000 (Swiss franc) fine for FAM, along with CHF 2,000 fines for each of the seven players involved in the document falsification scandal. The seven naturalised Malaysian players – Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel – were banned from all football activities for 12 months.

Yusoff acknowledged that the legal battle could be long and costly, but said FAM was ready to take responsibility for protecting Malaysia’s reputation on the international stage.

“We know this process may be time-consuming and costly, but for the pride of Malaysian football, FAM is fully prepared to face any challenges ahead,” Yusoff said. “At the same time, we will not give up easily even if the previous appeal does not yield the expected results. We hope that all Malaysian fans will continue to pray and support us.”

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