PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will be filing an official appeal with FIFA following the governing body’s disciplinary decision regarding documentation issues of seven naturalised players.
In a statement on Tuesday (Oct 7), FAM confirmed that they have received the full decision from FIFA, and emphasised that all documents and supporting evidence related to the naturalisation issue were complete and would be submitted to FIFA immediately through the official channels.
“FAM view several conclusions seriously, particularly the allegations that the players “obtained falsified documents” or deliberately sought to dodge eligibility regulations,” the statement said.
“FAM stress that no evidence supporting these allegations have been presented by FIFA.
“All documentation and submissions related to the players’ eligibility were prepared, verified, and fully managed by FAM in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
“At all times, the players acted in good faith, relying entirely on the verification and registration processes carried out by FAM.
“FAM believe this characterisation is inaccurate and unfair, and this matter will be raised thoroughly through the official appeal process.
“FAM remain committed to defending the interests of Malaysian football, protecting the rights of the players, and ensuring that this process proceeds transparently and in accordance with regulations.
“FAM will utilise all available legal avenues to pursue this case.”
On Monday (Oct 6), FIFA’s disciplinary committee officially ruled that FAM used forged documents to register seven of their heritage players.
The committee noted significant inconsistencies between the original birth certificates obtained by FIFA and those submitted by FAM to support the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia.
The seven players are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Figueiredo.
FIFA found that all seven players and FAM guilty of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which covers falsification and use of forged documents in official proceedings.
As a result, FAM were fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM 1.8mil), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and received a 12-month suspension from all football related activities.
FAM also stated that since this case involved and contained official information related to the Malaysian government’ procedures for issuing and verifying passports, they would only be sharing that information with FIFA.
“In line with the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1972 and the Passport Act 1966, any disclosure related to these materials or processes without authorisation is strictly prohibited.
“Therefore, FAM are legally bound to maintain confidentiality regarding these elements.
“Consequently, FAM will only share such information with FIFA for the purpose of this case,” they said.
