The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) continues to face criticism related to the case of 7 players who were determined to be illegally naturalized, after FIFA rejected the appeal on November 3. Although it has repeatedly affirmed that it will take the case to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), FAM has not yet filed an appeal, even though the maximum deadline is only 10 days after the FIFA ruling.
According to Malaysian media, the delay has led to speculation that FAM may have accepted the possibility of failure in bringing the case to CAS. Another hypothesis is that FAM is handling it internally before conducting legal procedures. Journalist Zulhelmi Zainal said FAM had sent a letter requesting FIFA to provide a detailed penalty decision to complete the dossier.
This move continues to arouse opinions that FAM lacks preparation in the legal process. Many Malaysian fans expressed disappointment, saying that the delay put the appeal process at risk of being at a standstill. Some opinions also questioned the feasibility of the appeal when the original documents related to the naturalization process of the players had been published.
In addition, there were rumors that Malaysia head coach Peter Cklamovski wanted to resign due to concerns about the consequences of the incident. However, FAM Chairman Wira Yusoff Mahadi has denied the information, although statements from FAM leaders have yet to create public peace.
