'Heritage' players: FAM suspends sec-gen, probe underway

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will establish an independent committee to investigate the case involving seven “heritage players” suspended by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) over allegations of falsifying documents over their Malaysian ancestry.

FAM deputy president S Sivasundaram also confirmed that the association’s secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman has been suspended with immediate effect.

“In relation to the issue involving the seven heritage players, FAM has agreed to form an independent committee to investigate the matter.

“The secretary-general is suspended effective today to allow the committee to carry out its duties.

“We want a transparent investigation - let the committee determine what went wrong,” he told reporters at a press conference held at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya today.

Also present were Harimau Malaya CEO Robert Douglas Friend and FAM’s legal counsel, Serge Vittoz.

For the record, on Sept 26, Fifa fined and suspended FAM and the seven “heritage” players for allegedly falsifying documents that proved their familial links to Malaysia.

Fifa found that the grandparents of the seven players were not of Malaysian origin, contrary to claims made by local sports authorities.

Appeal process

Among the seven suspended players were several with impressive profiles, currently playing in top leagues across Latin America and Europe.

The players are Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal, and Hector Hevel.

On Oct 15, FAM filed an appeal with Fifa against the ruling. Acting FAM president Yusoff Mahadi said the association moved swiftly after receiving Fifa’s full judgment on Oct 7, with its legal team preparing all required documents ahead of the deadline.

He also said the appeal process was handled carefully to avoid complications in subsequent stages.

Meanwhile, Vittoz said Fifa is expected to decide on FAM’s appeal on Oct 30.

“The appeal was submitted on Oct 15. Fifa’s appeal committee will make its decision on Oct 30.

“The outcome will be announced on the same day or the following day,” he added.

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