FAM identifies 'technical error' behind document scandal

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has identified a technical error in the submission process of documents for seven heritage players by the administrative staff of the national football governing body.

FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman said the association took the matter seriously, while stressing that the players involved were legitimate Malaysian citizens.

“FAM is awaiting the full judgment from the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) before filing an appeal in accordance with the existing legal process,” he said in a statement posted on FAM’s Facebook today.

On Friday, the Fifa Disciplinary Committee sanctioned FAM and the seven players for violating Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, related to document falsification.

In a statement, Fifa said FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility, enabling them to feature in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10.

The seven players involved were Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8 million), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities, effective from the date of notification of the decision.

However, FAM in an earlier statement said it would appeal against the decision.

FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi confirmed that the association had received Fifa’s official decision on the matter, stressing that all documentation and procedures had been submitted transparently in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.

- Bernama

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