We want answers: Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
PETALING JAYA: Top leaders Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Khairy Jamaluddin are shocked with FIFA’s sudden reversal of their earlier approval to allow Malaysia to use the service of seven mixed-heritage players.
Tunku Ismail, who had been supporting the participation of foreigners to raise the quality of Malaysian football, called for transparency and fairness from the world football governing body.
In a strongly worded statement, Tunku Ismail expressed disappointment over what he described as an unexplained and abrupt decision.
“
FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) have followed the process and collaborated with FIFA and the Malaysian government. FIFA had previously approved, but why has the decision changed now?” he asked on his X page yesterday.
“What happened to cause such a sudden decision like this? Is there an external entity involved in influencing FIFA’s decision?”
Tunku Ismail, who is overseeing the Harimau Malaya project, also criticised the manner in which the punishment was imposed, saying FIFA failed to provide clear reasons for its ruling.
“Another question – the punishment was imposed without providing reasons for the decision. Furthermore, FIFA were quick to release the decision in the public domain even though the appeal process had not been completed,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the FAM would take immediate steps to appeal against the decision, while urging Malaysian football supporters and officials to stay united.
On his X page, he also posted documents from the National Registration Department, affirming that due diligence and lawful procedures were observed during the process to issue citizenship.
“Surely we are not afraid and will not bow to individuals who are worried about the rise of Harimau Malaya. Fight on, fight on. Brave because we are right,” he said.
In an Instagram statement, Khairy, who is Johor’s youth adviser and JDT board member, found FIFA’s harsh action as bizarre.
“Strange. FIFA had already approved their eligibility through the proper process. That means the documents were vetted and due diligence was done.
“Why change their minds now and who lodged the complaint?” asked Khairy.
Khairy outlined five-step process for international player registration.
“It involves verifying ancestry, confirming citizenship, obtaining a Malaysian passport, submitting documentation to FIFA and receiving FIFA approval.”
On Friday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed severe sanctions on the FAM and seven players for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which pertains to forgery and falsification.
FIFA found that FAM had submitted falsified documents during the eligibility process, allowing the following players - Gabriel Palermo, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel to participate in the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
The investigation, which was launched following a formal complaint about the players’ eligibility, concluded with FAM being fined 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately RM1.85mil). Each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,570) and handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.
