After the World Football Federation (FIFA) announced all the reasons and sanctions for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding the case of 7 naturalized players, the Malaysian Minister of Sports and Youth - Ms. Hannah Yeoh said that she had carefully studied the FIFA verdict, and emphasized that FAM needed to urgently complete the appeal process if it intended to defend her views.
FAM needs to clearly state whether there is an appeal or not, and submit the dossier on time, Ms. Hannah Yeoh stated.
This statement is considered the first strong reaction from the Malaysian government since FIFA announced a ban on FAM and 7 players for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2025, related to the act of forging documents confirming the origin.
The female Minister also expressed dissatisfaction with FAM's decision to remain silent for many days after the incident was exposed.
FAM cannot continue to remain silent. They must answer transparently and frankly about all the revelations that FIFA has published, Ms. Yeoh wrote, emphasizing that the accountability of the national football management organization is inevitable.
Ms. Hannah Yeoh sympathizes with the mood of fans before the scandal affecting the reputation of the country's football: "M enough Malaysian fans are hurt, angry and disappointed. They have the right to know the truth and receive answers from FAM.
However, in the message sent amid the wave of criticism, the Malaysian Minister of Sports and Youth still called for the spirit of solidarity towards the national team.
We must not forget the Harimau Malaya team, who will face Laos this weekend. With the Malaysian players, we are always by your side, Ms. Yeoh emphasized.
Ms. Yeoh's statement is considered an official warning for FAM in the context of the agency under great pressure from public opinion and the media. Observers believe that the Minister's direct request for FAM to speak up not only demonstrates the responsibility of the state management agency, but also raises a requirement for transparency and honor for the Malaysian football community in the period of crisis of confidence.
