Malaysia faces an unprecedented heavy penalty from FIFA

The former Secretary-General of the Malaysian Football Association fears severe consequences if FAM continues to oppose FIFA's sanction.

The plan to keep contesting FIFA's sanctions concerning naturalized players by the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) is a high-risk move that could lead to even more serious repercussions for Malaysian football.

Former Malaysian Football Association Secretary-General Datuk Seri Azzuddin Ahmad warned that taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would only prolong the crisis and might pave the way for FAM to be suspended by the global football governing body.

"FIFA has rejected FAM's appeal. Procedurally, there is only one final avenue left — CAS. Whether FAM chooses to proceed is up to them, but in my opinion, that is not the best solution," Azzuddin stated today.

"This implies that our organization could be suspended. If that happens, all football activities, including the M-League, would be halted immediately. That is the last thing I want to see. Currently, we can still continue the league and domestic competitions, but if FAM is suspended, everything will collapse.

The best approach is to humbly acknowledge that mistakes were made. There's no need to use the word 'fraud.' Just admit that there was negligence." Azzuddin mentioned that the evidence and documents presented by FIFA in this case are clear and hard to dispute.

He said: "If the case continues, I fear it will raise even more questions and could possibly involve government agencies such as the National Registration Department and the Immigration Department."

"FIFA has provided convincing evidence, so there is no need for further questioning. When we go against that, I worry it could lead to more serious consequences."

Previously, FIFA's Appeal Committee rejected FAM's appeal and upheld the earlier decision by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, while seven national players were suspended for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs each for falsifying documents to represent Malaysia.