KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 4 -- The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail said the sanctions imposed by Fifa against seven Malaysian heritage players and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) appeared to be "politically motivated" rather than grounded in law.

He said Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code allows sanctions only for those who falsify or use falsified documents, which he stressed does not apply to the players.

"Fifa continues to punish the players by misapplying the law," Tunku Ismail said in a statement on social media today.

He added that he would continue to stand by the affected players and support their efforts "at all cost till the end".

The Regent confirmed that the matter will be taken to the Court of Arbitration ...