ZURICH, Nov 19 — Fifa is set to launch a formal investigation into Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) internal operations after suspending seven of its naturalised players over the alleged use of doctored documents.

The players were banned for 12 months after the global soccer body found that false documentation had been used so they could play in an Asian Cup qualifier for Malaysia against Vietnam.

All seven players appeared in Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam at the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in June.

“This investigation shall aim to identify the individuals responsible for the falsification of documents, assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials,” Fifa said.

Malaysia’s football association said yesterday it planned to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“This step is being taken to ensure that justice is upheld and to uphold the integrity of the player eligibility process as set by the Malaysian government and relevant bodies,” Acting President Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Fifa has also ordered the association to pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8 million) and this month dismissed its appeals.

Its findings have sparked an uproar in Malaysia, with fans and some lawmakers calling for action against the association as well as the national registration department and home ministry.

Last month, the association suspended its secretary-general and formed an independent committee to investigate.