PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must respond transparently and decisively to the revelations made by FIFA, urges Hannah Yeoh.
In a brief statement on social media, the Youth and Sports Minister said she had read FIFA’s Grounds of Judgment and called on FAM to complete the appeal process — by officially announcing its intention to appeal and filing it promptly.
“FAM cannot remain silent and must respond clearly to all the revelations made by FIFA. Local football supporters feel hurt, angry, and disappointed,” she said.
ALSO READ: FAM to appeal FIFA decision, vow to utilise all legal avenues
She also reminded Malaysians to continue supporting the national team.
“We must not forget the Harimau Malaya team, who will face Laos this week. To the Malaysian players, we are still with you,” she added.
On Monday (Oct 6), FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that FAM had submitted forged documents to register seven of their heritage players.
ALSO READ: FIFA show proof of forged player papers, Asian Cup result under threat
The committee found major discrepancies between the original birth certificates obtained by FIFA and the ones submitted by FAM to support the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia.
The seven players involved are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Figueiredo.
FIFA found both FAM and the players guilty of breaching Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which pertains to the falsification and use of forged documents in official proceedings.
As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8 million), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.
