FAM appoints ex-CJ to head probe into 'heritage' players issue

Former chief justice Raus Sharif has been appointed to lead an independent committee to investigate issues involving seven “heritage players” over allegations of falsifying documents linked to their Malaysian ancestry.

Announcing the appointment in a statement today, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) expressed hope that Raus and the other committee members will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation before reaching a conclusion based on their findings.

FAM said Raus will select the other committee members, reiterating that no individuals from the football association will be involved in the committee to ensure the investigation is carried out fairly, transparently, and professionally.

Raus, who served as the eighth chief justice, previously courted controversy after his term for the position was extended past the constitutional retirement age under then-prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s administration in 2017.

Following Pakatan Harapan’s win at the 2018 general election, Raus stepped down from his post, effective July 31, 2018.

Last year, he was appointed as chairperson for a royal commission of inquiry tasked with reviewing the handling of matters related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge.

‘Heritage’ dispute

On Oct 17, FAM deputy president S Sivasundaram told a press conference about the formation of an independent committee to probe issues involving the seven footballers, who were sanctioned by the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa).

He also confirmed that the association’s secretary-general, Noor Azman Rahman, had been suspended with immediate effect “to allow the committee to carry out its duties”.

On Sept 26, Fifa fined FAM and the seven “heritage” players for allegedly falsifying documents that proved their familial links to Malaysia. The athletes have also been suspended from any football-related activities.

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

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

Fifa is expected to deliver its decision on FAM’s appeal on Oct 30.

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