Malaysia appeals to CAS after damning FIFA report on counterfeiting scandal

The Malaysian Football Federation said on Tuesday it would call on the world’s top sporting ground, hours after FIFA released a damning report into an eligibility scandal that saw seven players banned.

The world governing body suspended the seven foreign-born players for one year and fined the FA of Malaysia (FAM) $440,000 in September for submitting false documents proving the players were of Malaysian descent.

FIFA’s appeals committee released its full findings on Monday, explaining why it had rejected an appeal by FAM against the sanctions.

The report also ordered a full investigation into the conduct and governance of the FAM, accusing the FAM of taking “no discernible disciplinary action – no concrete suspensions, no dismissals, no referrals to domestic authorities”.

The report added: “This omission indicates a lack of accountability and raises serious concerns about the governance culture within the organisation.

“The committee therefore directs the Secretariat to take immediate steps to initiate a formal investigation into the internal functioning of the FAM.”

The FAM denied any intentional wrongdoing and appealed to FIFA in October, before suspending its secretary general and saying it would set up an independent commission of inquiry.

READ | Malaysia is defending the naturalization process for banned players as the scandal deepens

The body’s acting president, Yusoff Mahadi, said in a statement on Tuesday: “The FAM will initiate the process of submitting this matter to CAS.

“This step has been taken to ensure that justice is upheld and to defend the integrity of the player eligibility process as established by the Malaysian government and relevant authorities.

“FAM remains committed to the rights of all players eligible to represent the country and will ensure that any action is taken professionally, transparently and through the appropriate legal channels.”

FIFA launched a player suitability investigation after receiving a complaint following Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in June, in which two of the seven players scored.

The investigation found that none of Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca or Joao Brandao Figueiredo had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, a requirement for national team selection.

Published on November 18, 2025