KELANA JAYA: It is never too late to say sorry.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) new president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan has issued a public apology to Malaysian football fans over the "mixed heritage" players scandal, pledging that such an episode will not be repeated under his leadership.
Ghani made the apology at Wisma FAM here on Wednesday (Sept 30), after chairing the first executive committee meeting since his election two weeks ago. He then held a press conference to outline his plans.
"Representing the entire FAM executive committee today, and on behalf of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), I sincerely apologise to all Malaysian football fans over the document forgery issue involving seven heritage players that occurred last year," said Ghani
"Therefore, I pledge my commitment throughout my tenure leading FAM that such an issue will never be allowed to recur.
"Naturally, some will ask about the status of these seven heritage players. Regarding the passport status of these seven heritage players, I will be holding a meeting with the Home Ministry and its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
"Matters concerning citizenship and passport issuance lie outside FAM's jurisdiction. Thus, we will seek clarification and maintain close cooperation with the Home Ministry to find the best resolution."
The seven players at the centre of the controversy are Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
Their eligibility was scrutinised following investigations by the Independent Commission, the Royal Malaysia Police and FIFA.
FIFA handed the players a 12-month football ban, which is set to end on Nov 5. FAM were also fined 350,000 Swiss francs (about RM1.8mil).
The players appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which finalised its ruling on March 5, 2026.
It upheld the 12-month ban from official matches, while giving credit for the period already served between Sept 25, 2025, and Jan 26, 2026.
