Tough luck: Rodrigo Holgado (front) and Joao Figueiredo are two of the seven players suspended by FIFA. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Former Malaysian international Safee Sali has urged the football fraternity to accept responsibility and learn from the latest FIFA ruling against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalised players.
The 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup hero and Golden Boot winner said the decision by FIFA’s appeal committee – who rejected FAM’s appeal on Monday – should serve as a wake-up call for Malaysian football.
“It is hard for the fans and those in the industry. FIFA were clear and we must accept it. Mistake is mistake. We must improve and focus on the next game,” said Safee.
He stressed the importance of staying united behind the national team despite the damage to Malaysia’s football image.
“We cannot go down because of this. To fight FIFA at CAS might not work – we should accept our mistake and learn from it. Humans make mistakes, but we must not repeat them.”
Safee also warned against the dangers of chasing quick fixes and short-term success.
“We want instant results, we want to qualify, which is good but we must ask if we are making the right decisions,” he said.
“Those in FAM must take responsibility.
“If we truly care for Malaysian football, we must nurture it with love and passion. If we do that, the sport will only get better.”
There have been talks of points deducted especially the first two 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifying games against Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0) could be considered null and void.
If that happens, then Malaysia can forget about qualifying for the Asian Cup for the second consecutive time on merit but Safee said one must not lose hope.
“The calculation is still positive. Win all the remaining games. We can win against Vietnam and can still go through. We must think that way. We must still believe we have a chance whatever the outcome.”
FIFA on Monday upheld all sanctions against FAM and the seven players – Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
FAM were fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil), while each player received a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,400) and a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.
