Malaysia Challenges FIFA Over Ban Of Seven Players In Eligibility Row

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The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has filed an appeal against FIFA’s decision to suspend seven national team players and fine the federation over what the world body described as an eligibility scandal.

FIFA last month issued a one-year ban to the players and fined FAM $440,000, accusing the federation of submitting false or altered documents claiming that the footballers had Malaysian ancestry. The ruling came after an investigation found that none of the seven players had parents or grandparents born in Malaysia.

The players in question were part of the team that beat Vietnam 4-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier in June, a result that had boosted Malaysia’s hopes before the controversy erupted.

FAM has firmly denied any deliberate wrongdoing, maintaining that it acted in good faith and that the issue stemmed from what it called a “technical error.”

Speaking after Malaysia’s 5-1 victory over Laos in another Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday, FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi told Bernama news agency that the federation was taking the appeal seriously.

“This appeal process is like a second round for us, so we are making better, more thorough and detailed preparations. It was not done hastily or under pressure,” Yusoff said.

FAM officials say their immediate focus is on clearing the federation’s name and ensuring the affected players are given a fair hearing. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the seven can return to international duty as Malaysia continue their Asian Cup campaign.

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