Aerial attack: Gabriel Palmero (right) vying for the ball with Singapore’s Mohd Shawal Anuar in the international friendly match.
PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will appeal FIFA’s decision over allegations of “doctored documentation” involving seven new mixed-heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad.
Acting FAM president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi confirmed that the national body have received FIFA’s official ruling on the case.
“FAM wish to stress that both the players involved and the association have acted in good faith and with full transparency throughout this process,” said Yusoff in a statement yesterday.
He added that FAM had followed all required procedures and guidelines in managing the players’ documentation, noting that FIFA had previously reviewed and officially cleared the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia.
“In light of this decision, FAM will be filing an appeal and will pursue all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the Malaysian national team,” he said.
Yusoff reaffirmed FAM’s commitment to upholding international regulations and defending the integrity of Malaysian football.
“We will continue to work closely with the Malaysian government and all stakeholders to ensure the process remains transparent, fair, and true to the spirit of sportsmanship,” he added.
The seven players Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel, who played for Harimau Malaya in the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, 2025, have been banned for 12 months and each would have to pay a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,570).
The FAM will have to pay 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil) as penalty for breaching the rule.
FIFA added that the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia would now be reviewed by their football tribunal.
