PETALING JAYA: Tengku Muda of Pahang, Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah, has come out in the open to confess that he was the one who recommended several of the seven mixed-heritage players currently suspended by FIFA to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Tengku Abdul Rahman, who is also the owner of Sri Pahang FC, said he was inspired to contribute to the development of Malaysian football, much like the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
The Pahang royal said he wanted to use his experience in the sport, particularly in matters involving the naturalisation of potential players and identifying heritage players who could represent the national team.
His efforts began towards the end of last year, during which he submitted the names of several players to FAM for consideration.
However, Tengku Abdul Rahman did not disclose the specific names of the players he had recommended.
“Throughout my involvement in football, many agents have met and introduced their players to me.
“Since the end of 2024, several agents have approached me to propose players for assessment. I have forwarded these recommendations to FAM for a detailed evaluation to determine whether the players met the criteria as heritage players and could be considered for the national squad.
“Among the players I have recommended to FAM are part of the seven heritage players who are now involved in the ongoing FIFA investigation and suspension case.
“For the record, all seven are legitimate Malaysian citizens who were granted citizenship by the Malaysian Government through proper and lawful procedures in accordance with national regulations,” said Tengku Abdul Rahman in a statement.
Previously, Tengku Abdul Rahman had also assisted in the citizenship process for several players such as Mohamadou Sumareh, Sergio Aguero and Lee Tuck, who went on to become key figures for both Pahang and the national team.
“I firmly believe that the presence of naturalised and heritage players can enhance the quality and competitiveness of the national squad.
‘‘I will always support any initiative that contributes to raising the standard of Malaysian football,” added Tengku Abdul Rahman.
At present, the seven players suspended by FIFA are Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel. They were found guilty of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code concerning document falsification.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has also ordered FAM to pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil).
Each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,560) and handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities, effective immediately.
However, FAM have already submitted an appeal to FIFA, and the final decision on whether the punishment will be upheld or overturned is expected to be known on Oct 30.
