In a statement, FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi said it will appeal the decision by FIFA on the fine and suspension over allegations of “doctored documentation” involving seven new mixed-heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad.

“FAM wishes to emphasise that the association and the players involved had all acted in good faith and with full transparency throughout the process,” he said.

According to Yusoff, FAM followed procedures and guidelines as required by FIFA in managing the players’ documentation.

He said FIFA had previously reviewed and officially cleared the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia.

“Following this action by FIFA, FAM will be filing an appeal and will pursue all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the national team,” he added.

Yesterday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee said FAM must pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million), while each of the seven players were fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM11,000). The players were also given a 12-month suspension, effective immediately.

The players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

All seven players featured in Malaysia’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, after which FIFA received a complaint regarding the eligibility of several of them.

The disciplinary committee has also referred the issue of the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia to the FIFA Football Tribunal for further consideration.