Slug: RM1needed
At least RM1 million is needed if FAM takes the case to CAS- lawyer
Firdaus Hashim
Link: https://www.hmetro.com.my/arena/bola-sepak/2025/10/1278733/sekurang-kurangnya-rm1-juta-diperlukan-jika-fam-bawa-kes-ke-cas
KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) needs at least RM1 million if it intends to bring the issue of the seven heritage players to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
According to sports lawyer Zhafri Aminurashid, the estimated cost is a rough approximation and could fall below or exceed RM1 million, depending on various factors.
These include appeal fees, legal fees, expert consultation charges and advance payments required for the appeal process.
“The appeal fee to CAS is around CHF1,000 (approximately RM5,314) and it is non-refundable.
“There are also legal fees which can range from RM100,000 to RM200,000, followed by expert witness fees that could reach RM10,000 to RM50,000 per witness.”
He added that advance arbitration costs, which must be paid before the case is heard, can range from CHF10,000 (RM53,143) to as much as CHF50,000 (RM265,717).
These costs are generally to be borne by both parties.
“But normally, FIFA will not share these costs, meaning FAM would have to bear the full amount upfront. If FAM fails to make the payment, the appeal will be dismissed,” he said.
Recently, FIFA released the full reasoning behind the disciplinary action taken against the FAM and seven Harimau Malaya heritage players, namely Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel. (Link: https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2025/10/1288828/fifa-reveal-7-banned-players-have-no-links-malaysia-watch)
In its official report titled “Notification of the Grounds of the Decision” dated Oct 6, 2025, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee said the sanctions were imposed for violations under Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, involving the falsification and alteration of official documents.
The investigation revealed that several supporting documents submitted by FAM, including birth certificates of the players’ grandparents, contained details that did not match the original records in the players’ actual countries of birth.
Following that, FAM submitted an appeal to FIFA, with the decision on the appeal expected to be announced on Oct 30.
If the decision does not favour FAM, the national football governing body is expected to escalate the matter to CAS.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
