PETALING JAYA: Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has questioned FIFA’s sudden reversal of its earlier approval involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), calling for transparency and fairness from the world football governing body.

In a strongly worded statement, Tunku Ismail expressed disappointment over what he described as an unexplained and abrupt decision.

"FAM has followed the process and collaborated with FIFA and the Malaysian Government. FIFA had previously approved, but why has the decision changed now?" he asked on his X page on Saturday (Sept 27).

"What happened to cause such a sudden decision like this? Is there an external entity involved in influencing FIFA’s decision?"

Tunku Ismail, who is overseeing the Harimau Malaya project, also criticised the manner in which the punishment was imposed, saying FIFA failed to provide clear reasons for its ruling.

"Another question - the punishment was imposed without providing reasons for the decision. Furthermore, FIFA was quick to release the decision in the public domain even though the appeal process had not been completed," he said.

Tunku Ismail went on to hint at possible behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, questioning, "Who was in New York?"

He expressed confidence that the FAM would take immediate steps to appeal against the decision, while urging Malaysian football supporters and officials to stay united.

"I hope FAM will file an appeal as soon as possible."

On his X page, he also posted documents from the National Registration Department, affirming that due diligence and lawful procedures were observed during the process to issue citizenship.

"Surely we are not afraid and will not bow to individuals who are worried about the rise of Harimau Malaya. Fight on, fight on. Brave because we are right," he said.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee imposed severe sanctions on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players on Friday (Sept 26) for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which pertains to forgery and falsification.

FIFA found that FAM had submitted falsified documents during the eligibility process, allowing the following players to participate in Malaysia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, 2025: Gabriel Palermo, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Figueiredo, Irazábal and Hevel.

The investigation, which was launched following a formal complaint about the players’ eligibility, concluded with FAM being fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.85mil). Each player was fined CHF2,000 (RM10,570) and handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.