The Football Association of Malaysia says CAS penalties appear excessive compared to past cases, but will wait for full ruling details before further comment.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has labelled a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision involving seven national players as disproportionate.
The national governing body confirmed it received the operative part of the CAS decision regarding appeals filed by both the association and the players.
“FAM respects the jurisdiction of the CAS, but is of the view that the sanctions imposed appear disproportionate, especially when compared to penalties in similar cases previously decided by the tribunal,” the association said in a statement.
FAM added that further comments will only be made after the complete details have been thoroughly scrutinised.
According to the association, it had accepted responsibility for supervisory failures during the administrative processes related to the case.
FAM also described the decision as disappointing, particularly for the players involved.
“The players were not involved in the administrative process and had no knowledge of matters related to it,” the statement read.
The CAS partially upheld the appeals of the seven Harimau Malaya heritage players against FIFA sanctions for document falsification.
In its operative decision, the CAS Panel ruled that the seven players remain subject to a 12-month suspension.
However, the ban now applies only to official matches and not all football-related activities.
The CAS Panel maintained that the fine of CHF 350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million) imposed on FAM is justified and remains in force.
The seven players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
The issue came to light when FIFA found falsified documents had been used to support the eligibility of seven foreign-born players.
The world governing body imposed a 12-month suspension on the players and fined FAM.
FAM and the seven players subsequently appealed to the CAS, which issued its decision.
