Saifuddin: Football players received citizenship after due process

The Malaysian football players sanctioned by the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) received their citizenship after a thorough vetting process, said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

“In this case, we complied with everything (citizenship laws).

“When the decision was made, we followed due process according to existing regulations. That’s on our part,” he said in a video posted on Facebook.

Yesterday, Fifa announced that it had imposed sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players for breaches of Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC) on forgery and falsification.

“FAM had submitted eligibility enquiries to Fifa, and in doing so, it used doctored documentation to be able to field the above players,” said the global football body’s disciplinary committee.

Fifa also determined that FAM must pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million), while each of the seven players was also slapped with a 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,500) fine.

The players, Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano, were also hit with a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities, effective immediately.

FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi said he would file an appeal.

Detailed process

Meanwhile, Saifuddin mentioned that when it comes to naturalised citizenship, an individual must apply under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution.

He said that under this clause, among the considerations given to the applicant is whether their parents, grandparents, or ancestors were from Malaysia.

“And the process of giving citizenship is very thorough. The chief secretary (of the Home Ministry) will chair the committee… we study every document submitted.

“As for Fifa’s decision against FAM, that is an issue between both bodies,” he added.

Meanwhile, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in a post on X, provided a copy of a letter from National Registration Department director-general Badrul Hisham Alias dated Sept 19.

In the letter, Badrul confirmed that the NRD was proceeding with the naturalisation of seven applicants.

“I affirm that all due diligence and lawful procedures were observed during this process, and that the issuance of these citizenship certificates was carried out in full compliance with the legal and constitutional requirements of Malaysia,” he said.

Tunku Ismail asked if any third parties were involved in Fifa’s decision.

“FAM has followed the process and cooperated with Fifa and the Malaysian government. Fifa has also approved before this, but why did the decision change now? What happened to suddenly have a decision like this?" he asked in his post.

He added that Fifa, in meting out the punishment, had not provided an explanation for its decision.

Fifa was also quick to announce its decision before FAM completed its appeal, he said.

FAM must answer for Fifa sanctions, not just appeal - PN

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