As such, KFA president Mukhriz Mahathir said they would stand by their decision to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

He said this was not because they were unhappy with the buy-out fee or payment from JDT, but because of the need to adhere to the rules.

“If a team breaks the rules by making offers to a player from another team via the ‘back door’, then the affected team will lose.

“This is not right and we want CAS to review and decide on the matter,” Mukhriz told reporters here today when asked to comment on whether KFA would stick by their decision to take the case to CAS or world football governing body Fifa.

JDT sports director Martin Prest had confirmed on Saturday that the 19-year-old striker had signed a four-year contract with the Southern Tigers.

The FAM Appeals Committee had earlier maintained that Akhyar could buy out his contract with Kedah by paying RM250,000 while his new team would have to pay Kedah RM75,000.

Mukhriz, who is also the Kedah menteri besar, felt that FAM’s decision in setting the RM75,000 compensation fee was unfair.

“The decision was made between FAM and Akhyar. KFA were not invited.

“When we said we would take the matter up with CAS, they (FAM) said we could discuss the issue.

“So, the best way is for CAS to decide and we will abide by their decision,” he said.

“If this can happen to us, it can happen to any other team.

“I hope FAM will be strict with their rules and not practise favouritism.”

Mukhriz also refuted allegations that KFA did not take good care of their players.

“We had asked Akhyar his aspirations and we even suggested that he spread his wings and develop his talents by playing overseas.

“So, it’s not like we do not care about our players,” he said.