PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) should not stay silent amid revelations made by FIFA regarding their ruling on forged documents.
After FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that FAM had submitted forged documents to register seven of their heritage players on Monday, local sporting figures have urged FAM to respond with transparency regarding the revelations.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh (pic) had called on FAM to complete the appeal process promptly, adding that local football fans have been hurt, angered, and left frustrated with the ongoing issue.
“FAM cannot remain silent and must respond clearly to all the revelations made by FIFA,” said Hannah in a statement yesterday.
The seven players who were found to have forged documents are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Figueiredo.
As a result, FAM were fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM11,000) and handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.
Former national striker Safee Sali also urged FAM to respond to FIFA’s ruling, adding that Malaysian football fans should stay united in these trying times.
“FAM must do the work to file the appeal and follow the next steps in the process.
“Do not stay silent,” said Safee.
“Focus on finding solutions, not just on the problems faced.
“Harimau Malaya will always be our pride.”
