FAM presser turns tense as official grilled on 'heritage' player issue

The Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) press conference today became tense as reporters grilled officials over the case of seven “heritage” players suspended by the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) for allegedly falsifying documents over their Malaysian lineage.

The session, chaired by FAM deputy president S Sivasundaram (above), was initially expected to provide clarity on Fifa’s investigation into the players’ status.

Instead, it devolved into a heated back-and-forth marked by disputes and factual confusion.

“Please tell us the exact dates when the seven players arrived in Malaysia and when their MyKad were issued by the National Registration Department (NRD),” one journalist asked.

In response, Sivasundaram said he did not have the exact dates but explained that applications were made in January 2025 and the documents issued in May.

When asked how the citizenship process could be completed in under six months, he said the matter fell under the purview of the Home Ministry.

Reporters also questioned whether the seven players were truly of Malaysian descent or had been naturalised.

“I believe they obtained their passports through Malaysian heritage,” Sivasundaram replied - prompting further questions from journalists as to why FAM merely “believed” and could not confirm the fact.

“That’s why we’ve set up an independent committee to investigate,” he added.

Earlier, FAM announced the formation of an independent committee to probe the alleged falsification of heritage documents involving the seven players, with FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman getting suspended with immediate effect.

Reporters question verification process

Another round of tough questioning came when reporters asked who identified the players and how their heritage was verified.

FAM had previously said the selection process began after recommendations from agents and coaches but failed to specify which agent or official had verified the players’ documents.

Sivasundaram also admitted that FAM had requested birth certificates for the players but stressed that the matter was now under investigation by the newly formed committee.

Pressed about earlier statements that the Fifa complaint came from an individual in Vietnam, Sivasundaram clarified that this was merely an assumption, not official information.

“We believe an individual from Vietnam lodged the complaint,” he said, as reporters pointed out that such a statement could not be treated as conclusive.

Suspension to ensure transparency

Responding to further questions, Sivasundaram said the suspension of FAM’s secretary-general was meant to ensure a transparent and independent probe.

“The decision was made by the FAM executive committee yesterday, and the independent committee will review the matter,” he said.

Despite a barrage of questions - including who was responsible for the “technical error” in submitting documents to Fifa - FAM failed to provide clear answers.

Sivasundaram appeared cautious, refusing to comment on the technical error or details of the appeal, saying such remarks could interfere with the ongoing investigation and their appeal process.

Fifa sanctions and appeal

On Sept 26, Fifa imposed fines and suspensions on FAM and the seven players after finding that documents had been falsified to prove Malaysian ancestry.

In its disciplinary ruling, Fifa stated that the grandparents of the seven players were not from Malaysia, contrary to what had been submitted by the national body.

The seven suspended players are Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal, and Hector Hevel, all high-profile footballers playing in top leagues across Latin America and Europe.

Following the decision, FAM filed an official appeal with Fifa on Oct 15.

Acting FAM president Yusoff Mahadi said the association moved swiftly after receiving Fifa’s full judgment on Oct 7, with its legal team completing the necessary paperwork before the deadline.

He said the appeal process was conducted meticulously to avoid any issues later.

Meanwhile, FAM’s lawyer Serge Vittoz said the outcome of the appeal is expected on Oct 30.

“The appeal was submitted on Oct 15. Fifa’s appeals committee will decide on Oct 30. The results will be communicated either the same day or the following day,” he said.

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