Kuala lumpur: The full investigation report by the independent committee established by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) into the documentation of seven Harimau Malaya players who were suspended for 12 months by the International Football Federation (FIFA) is expected to be known this month. FAM acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi stated that the organization is awaiting the report from the committee chaired by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif before making any further decisions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Mohd Yusoff expressed that the report from Tun Raus is anticipated to arrive this month, and the findings will determine the subsequent steps to be taken. He conveyed this information to reporters after the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Specialist Centre (UKMSC) and FAM at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz.
Regarding the MoU, Mohd Yusoff mentioned that the collaboration is a program for the players and acknowledged the potential for exploring additional areas with UKMSC, including players' mental management. In October, FAM appointed Tun Md Raus to head an independent committee to investigate the documentation issue involving the seven heritage players of Harimau Malaya, who faced suspension by FIFA.
Furthermore, Mohd Yusoff indicated that FAM has fully submitted the decision regarding the documentation issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the completion of all processes at the FIFA level. He noted that the legal team is preparing to submit the necessary documents to meet the CAS procedure by December 18.
Mohd Yusoff emphasized that FAM's dealings with FIFA have concluded, and CAS represents the final platform for the governing body to complete the legal processes. He clarified that the decision to bring the case to CAS was to ensure all legal avenues are exhausted, not due to risk considerations.
Previously, FAM confirmed an appeal to CAS concerning the punishment imposed by FIFA on the documentation issue of seven legacy players: Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. This decision followed FIFA's release of a 64-page explanation from the Appeals Committee on November 3, which upheld the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's decision.
The decision resulted in FAM being fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million), alongside a 12-month suspension and a CHF2,000 (around RM10,000) fine for each of the seven players involved.