Malaysia’s football federation has appealed FIFA’s decision to suspend seven national team players and fine the body $440,000 over an eligibility scandal.
The world football governing body last month ruled that the Football Association of Malaysia, FAM, submitted falsified documents claiming the players had Malaysian ancestry.
However, an investigation found that none of them had a parent or grandparent from the country.
The players, all foreign-born, had featured in Malaysia’s 4–0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in June.
FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi said the federation was preparing its appeal carefully, describing it as a “second round” to clear their name.
FAM insists it acted in good faith, blaming the issue on a “technical error.
