KUALA LUMPUR: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, will bear all expenses involved in the appeals of the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and seven heritage players to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Tunku Ismail announced the move today as a show of support in seeking justice for the players suspended by FIFA.
“I will bear everything, not the people’s money,” he said briefly when asked about funding for the CAS appeal.
The support from Tunku Ismail underlined his concern for the affected players, who were sanctioned by FIFA over issues regarding their eligibility to represent the national team.
Earlier, FAM said it would take the case to the CAS after its appeal against FIFA’s decision was dismissed on Monday.
Tunku Ismail, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim, is expected to ease FAM’s financial burden by covering all legal and travel costs, while boosting confidence in Malaysia’s legal team as they seek justice for the players.
Tunku Ismail also said that he was unfazed by the possibility of repercussions from FIFA over his recent criticism of the world football governing body.
“Not worried about action from FIFA. Go ahead,” said Tunku Ismail.
FIFA has upheld sanctions against FAM and the seven players over the document-falsification scandal.
Its Appeal Committee rejected FAM’s appeal and upheld an earlier ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. FAM was earlier fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million), while seven national heritage players were suspended for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs each.
The seven players are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garcas, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
