PETALING JAYA: The ongoing FIFA-FAM issue will not just be a one-time thing, but the future of Malaysia’s mixed-heritage players will be under the microscope for a long time.
Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli warned that if FIFA completely lose trust in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), things could be very difficult for future mixed-heritage players to play for the Harimau Malaya.
“We have questions about integrity and accountability,” said Pekan.
“If FIFA lose their trust in FAM, this will be significant. And we need to be very careful.
“Right now there is a process of obtaining mixed-heritage players that has been created by FAM, and with others involved, have now broken the rules.
“And this process will be criticised from now on, and the trust between FIFA and FAM will be affected.”
He said given the seriousness of the offences committed now by FAM, any possibility of bringing in new mixed-heritage players will be extremely scrutinised.
“Don’t just think about this case right now, it’s not just about the seven players. But the whole system is being questioned,” he said.
FIFA released their 63-page motivated decision on Tuesday, stating that FAM had used falsified documents as proof of the eligibility of seven players to play for Malaysia.
FIFA said the forgery attempt to deceive governing bodies hits at the very foundation of the sport’s integrity and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Pekan added that in the motivated decision, FIFA made sure to point out what FAM had done wrong, and with the utmost seriousness.
“When we look at the document released by FIFA, it’s clear they have exposed everything.
“It’s so comprehensive. And from my analysis, there is a tone in that document.
“It’s a harsh tone, and it seems that the emotion from FIFA right now towards FAM is anger.
“They want to call out FAM for being liars, that they worked with other people and gave false and illogical statements, all the way from the CEO to the players involved.
“FIFA have reached their limits. And this case will be made an example of,” he said.
