FAM has right to appeal despite risks of harsher sanctions, says Hannah

The youth and sports minister says that FAM could face heavier penalties, including higher fines and extended suspensions, if its CAS appeal fails.

Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh said FAM must weigh the risks of appealing Fifa’s sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

KUALA LUMPUR:

 The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has the right to appeal Fifa’s sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), even though failure could lead to harsher penalties, says youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh.

Yeoh told the Dewan Rakyat that it is FAM’s decision whether to appeal, and its lawyers will advise them.

“I can’t deprive FAM’s rights to go to CAS. However, it has to be prepared – if CAS does not rule in its favour, the punishment can be increased.

“That is something they must consider for themselves,” she said in her winding-up speech on the committee stage debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 for her ministry.

Yeoh was responding to Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor), who asked whether pursuing an appeal was prudent given the risk of heavier sanctions and the fact that FAM would not be submitting any new evidence beyond what was previously presented.

The minister had earlier explained that penalties could include higher fines and extended suspensions. - FMT

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