CAS will determine the future of FAM and the Malaysian national team

The fate of FAM and the Malaysian national team hinges on the final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the alleged falsification of documents for seven players of Malaysian origin.

The future of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) along with the direction of the Harimau Malaya national team will only be determined once the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delivers its final verdict related to the forged documents case of seven Malaysian-born players.

This information was confirmed by the Acting President of FAM, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, during a press conference following a special Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting at Wisma FAM on the afternoon of December 22.

Mr. Yusoff revealed that FAM has completed submitting all relevant files and documents to CAS and is now waiting for the official hearing date: “The reporting and preparation process is finished, and the case is now in the hands of CAS. We are just waiting for the hearing date to be set,” he said.

According to the head of FAM, the outcome from CAS will be a decisive factor not only for the current leadership structure but will also directly impact the national team’s situation after numerous recent upheavals.

Mr. Yusoff also emphasized that any organizational and governance reform proposals made by the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) will only be implemented after the case is fully resolved.

“The IIC's recommendations mainly focus on improving management and increasing transparency within FAM. However, for now, we must ensure that the legal process proceeds correctly before considering any reforms,” he added.

While awaiting the ruling, FAM will maintain the current organizational status quo to avoid disrupting the team’s management and preparation.

“Maintaining stability is crucial. Once CAS reaches a conclusion, we will consider the best solutions for the future of Malaysian football,” Mr. Yusoff affirmed.

Earlier, FIFA’s Appeals Committee dismissed the appeal filed by FAM and the seven involved playersthereby upholding the disciplinary sanctions imposed by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. On December 8, Mr. Yusoff announced that FAM’s legal representatives had until December 18 to submit written arguments to CAS as the final procedural step before the hearing.