KELANA JAYA: Saying sorry may not change the past, but it can help set things right.
And that’s the path the new Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan has decided to take as he 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.
“On behalf of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), I sincerely apologise to all football fans over the document forgery issue involving seven heritage players that occurred last year,” said Ghani after chairing the first executive committee meeting since his election two weeks ago.
“Therefore, I pledge my commitment throughout my tenure leading FAM that such an issue will never be allowed to recur.”
The seven players at the centre of the controversy were Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
In fact, Ghani is not letting the matter rest and will seek answers from the Home Ministry.
“Matters concerning citizenship and passport issuance lie outside FAM’s jurisdiction. Thus, we will seek clarification and maintain close cooperation with the Home Ministry and its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to find the best resolution.”
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).
Ghani will also look at other matters as the association want greater transparency and more robust management procedures in working together to address governance concerns highlighted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
In line with that, Ghani would introduce the ISO 9001 standards.
“FAM management will pursue ISO 9001 certification. We want transparency and establish good administration and management. This is important to ensure that our procedures and other processes are carried out properly.
“To obtain the ISO certification, the secretariat under Azman (FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman) and all FAM staff must do their very best to meet the requirements for ISO 9001.
“I hope that with ISO, we can have management and administration that meet standards certified by an international body.”
FAM are waiting for AFC’s complete governance audit report.
An AFC quality audit presented in June identified concerns across governance, accountability and organisational management, with most operational areas assessed at a pre-intermediate level.
On his position as Malaysian Football League (MFL) president, Ghani said a successor would eventually be appointed after the MFL board of directors decide on his replacement.
