How will FAM prepare documents to explain the illegal naturalization case if it appeals?

Malaysian press reported that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is urgently preparing documents to explain the case of 7 illegally naturalized players.

What will FAM's appeal file include?

After the news of the 7 illegally naturalized players was exposed, causing a stir in Asian football, FAM is facing enormous pressure from public opinion and experts. Although as of the morning of October 11, there has been no official confirmation that FAM has filed an appeal to FIFA, reputable sources say that the federation is actively preparing legal documents to explain and defend itself.

According to Bernama news agency, a senior FAM official said that the appeal plan - if implemented - will focus on proving the legality of the citizenship of the naturalized players. In addition, FAM is also working closely with the Malaysian National Registration Department (JPN) to clarify the process of documenting, verifying and granting citizenship, to confirm that the entire naturalization process is in accordance with current legal regulations.

There has been no official announcement on whether FAM has submitted an appeal to FIFA.

PHOTO: NGOC LINH

The New Straits Times also quoted this information, saying that FAM is preparing a detailed set of documents including proof papers, registration records and internal documents to serve the explanation process with FIFA, in an effort to protect the image and interests of Malaysian football in the midst of a storm of criticism.

Notably, FAM also previously said that the incident involved official documents from the Malaysian Government regarding the passport issuance and verification process, so the federation only provided this information directly to FIFA. This agency cited the State Secrets Act 1972 and the Passport Act 1966, which prohibit the disclosure or publication of documents and administrative procedures related to nationality and passports without the permission of the competent authority. This means that specific details in the file will not be shared publicly with the media or third parties unless authorized.

Malaysian officials ask FAM to speak up, fans 'ashamed of shocking scandal'

AFC will only make a final decision after FIFA completes processing of FAM's appeal.

Experts say the incident is not only a legal crisis, but also a test of FAM’s management capacity and transparency. In the context of Malaysian football being under pressure to perform and compete with neighboring football powers such as Indonesia, Thailand or Vietnam.

Malaysia's lineup in the match against Laos on October 9, was all domestic players.

PHOTO: FAM

Malaysia’s use of players identified by FIFA as having violated their naturalization in a match against Vietnam in June this year in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers could result in the team losing. However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it would only make a decision after FAM’s appeal process was completed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/fam-chuan-bi-ho-so-giai-trinh-vu-nhap-tich-lau-the-nao-neu-khang-cao-18525101112130861.htm