Former great James Wong urges FAM to reconsider taking case to CAS

PETALING JAYA: Former Malaysian international James Wong is urging the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) not to take the case involving seven national footballers to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Commenting on FIFA’s decision to reject FAM’s appeal over sanctions imposed on the national football body and seven players, James said taking the case to CAS may not be a prudent move.

“It’s going to cost money – whose money? What are we trying to prove? Sometimes we just have to take the bitter pill and swallow it,” he said on Tuesday (Nov 4).

He urged FAM to use the setback as an opportunity to rebuild.

“If we truly love the game, we must rebuild with integrity and learn from our mistakes. There’s no shortcut in football,” he said.

FIFA on Monday (Nov 3) rejected FAM’s appeal, maintaining all sanctions including a 12-month suspension imposed for the seven players and a 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil) fine for the national football body.