TMJ offers to bankroll appeal against Fifa sanctions

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has reportedly offered to cover all expenses related to the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) bid to bring its case to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This came after the International Federation of Association Football’s (Fifa) Appeal Committee upheld the decision to impose sanctions against FAM and its seven “heritage” players.

According to a report by Harian Metro today, Tunku Ismail said his gesture is a show of support for efforts to seek justice for the suspended players.

“I will pay for everything, it is not the rakyat’s money,” he was quoted as saying.

This includes all legal costs as well as travel expenses, the report stated.

The regent, who also owns the Johor Darul Ta’zim football club, reportedly added he is not afraid if Fifa takes action against him.

Earlier this week, Fifa announced it rejected FAM’s appeal against the sanctions imposed on seven “heritage” players who had been granted Malaysian citizenship, allegedly based on forgery and falsification of identification documents.

The organisation also added that FAM and the players have 10 days from the announcement to request the grounds of the decision, and 21 days for a possible appeal before CAS.

In response, FAM announced it would take the necessary measures to bring its case to the independent international arbitration body.

Yesterday, Tunku Ismail described Fifa’s rejection of FAM’s appeal as “politically motivated” and a “misapplication of the law.” He also stressed that he would continue to “support the players at all costs.”

READ MORE: Revisiting Fifa's scathing verdict on 'heritage players' saga

In September, Fifa imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million) on FAM, while seven players - Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano - were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs.

The players were also slapped with a 12-month suspension.

According to Fifa, the seven “heritage” players don’t have any grandparents born in Malaysia as claimed.

However, FAM rejected allegations of doctoring documents. It also argued that Fifa had not provided evidence to substantiate its allegations of forgery.

The issue has stoked controversy over perceived double standards in how citizenship has been granted to the players, compared to stateless persons who were born and bred in Malaysia.

Revisiting Fifa's scathing verdict on 'heritage players' saga

Heritage footballers issue must serve as a lesson - Sultan Abdullah

COMMENT | M'sian tale of 3Fs: Football, fraud and failed oversight

Fifa upholds red card, regent cries foul