Overview
- FIFA’s Appeal Committee on Nov 3 dismissed challenges from the Football Association of Malaysia and seven players, confirming earlier punishments.
- Sanctions stand at a 350,000 Swiss franc fine for FAM, plus 12-month worldwide bans and 2,000 Swiss franc fines for each of the seven players.
- FIFA investigators obtained original records from Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands and Spain that contradicted claims of Malaysian grandparentage, and the players had featured in a 4-0 win over Vietnam in June.
- FAM and the players have 10 days to request FIFA’s written reasons and then 21 days to lodge any appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with FAM saying it will seek the decision and prepare its case.
- The federation has suspended its secretary general and appointed an independent committee chaired by former Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif to review the episode, with findings expected in six weeks.