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.

Yeoh also said the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had already asked Fifa to decide on the status of the seven suspended Harimau Malaya players before March 31, which is when the Asian Cup qualifiers end.

“If (FAM) loses, AFC regulations state that match results may be annulled, with the rival team awarded three points and three goals.

“The AFC disciplinary committee also has the right to impose further penalties apart from point deductions,” she said.

The minister also said the RM15 million allocated to FAM under this year’s budget could not be used for the appeal, and that the association must cover its legal costs using its own funds.

This is because the funds given by Putrajaya were specifically earmarked for player training, coach recruitment and other forms of support for the Harimau Malaya squad and under-23 squads, she said.

Yeoh also agreed with Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) that the culprits responsible for forging the birth and nationality documents of the seven players should be arrested and charged to close this “embarrassing” fiasco.

The minister also said she could not push for FAM’s committee members to be fired as that would risk being suspended by Fifa, which strictly prohibits government bodies from interfering in the affairs of national football associations.

She said her ministry could, however, take remedial measures on FAM, such as instructing the sports commissioner to conduct probes or audits on FAM with legal experts.

“But I will put these measures on hold pending the investigation by (the independent committee led by former chief justice) Raus Sharif so that there is no overlap.”