Following the naturalization scandal, Malaysian football continues to receive unfortunate news.

Following the definitive verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on the case of seven naturalized players fabricating paperwork, Malaysian press and specialists are collectively urging FAM to openly apologize to supporters.

Malaysian football is undergoing one of its darkest historical periods after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) officially rejected all defense efforts in the falsified naturalization documents scandal. With this ruling, the "Malayan Tigers" not only lose seven key pillars but also face disgrace and dishonor on the international stage.

According to Sinar Harian, Malaysian public opinion is extremely angered by the silence of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the national team management. Expert Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli has delivered sharp remarks on the necessity of a formal apology.

He emphasized: “Where is the apology? When CAS has issued its decision and verdict, that decision is permanent and means we are truly guilty. We should swiftly move past it, confronting the consequences of this ruling with remorse and regret for what has occurred.”

This scandal erupted last September when FIFA discovered documents proving the ethnic origins of seven foreign players—including names like Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel, and Jon Irazabal—were entirely fabricated.

Although CAS partially accepted the appeal so that the players are not banned from all football activities, the 12-month suspension from official matches remains unchanged. Notably, the massive financial penalty of 350,000 CHF (approximately 1.8 million RM) imposed on FAM is considered a severe blow to the organization's reputation.

Given the situation where no one is taking responsibility, Pekan Ramli warns against seeking a "scapegoat" for mutual blame among parties. He stated: “Don’t be too tense. The mistake has already happened; admit it. What else do we want to defend?”

This expert believes the most crucial thing now is for FAM to demonstrate “a generous heart” by acknowledging the mistake before millions of fans who have been deceived for so long.

Falsifying documents is not only a violation of football discipline but also severely damages the nation's image. Now, instead of continuing to argue or evade, Malaysian football needs a profound reform starting with the honesty of its leaders. Only by daring to face the truth and apologize publicly can FAM begin the process of restoring trust and moving the country's football forward.