Malaysia National Team CEO Rob Friend has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the seven Malaysian national players embroiled in FIFA’s eligibility documentation case, following the release of the Appeal Committee’s detailed 63-page rejection report.
Speaking after FIFA officially outlined why the appeals from FAM and the affected players were denied, Friend emphasised that the national team management respects the global body’s decision — but will not stop pursuing fairness.
With FAM confirming its next move to escalate the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Friend pledged his continued involvement as an advisor to the federation’s legal team.
“We respect the process and the decision issued by FIFA,” Friend said in an exclusive comment to Astro Arena’s Zulhelmi Zainal Azam.
“I will continue working closely with the legal team as we review every document and determine the next steps. Our priority is justice for all players and the protection of Malaysian football’s integrity.”
Friend also addressed remarks attributed to him within the FIFA report, clarifying that they were rooted in a misunderstanding of his responsibilities.
He explained that his previous statements were made in the capacity of Harimau Malaya’s CEO and not as an assessment of the players’ eligibility matters.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Friend highlighted a positive milestone: the Malaysian national team concluded 2025 unbeaten, a point he described as a reflection of the squad’s discipline and development.
Credit Photo : FAM
