FIFA’s Appeals Committee has upheld sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) stemming from allegations of falsified documents used in the naturalization of seven players. The ruling,delivered today,confirms a 350,000 Swiss Franc fine for the FAM and 12-month competition bans for each player,impacting Malaysia’s standing in international competition [[1]]. According to released committee documents,the FAM allegedly altered ancestral records submitted by the players without their knowledge,raising concerns about eligibility requirements and integrity within the nation’s football program.
Jakarta –
FIFA has rejected Malaysia’s appeal of a fine and sanctions related to the naturalization of seven players, finding that original ancestral documents submitted by the players were manipulated by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) without their knowledge. The decision leaves the FAM facing a 350,000 Swiss Franc penalty.
The seven naturalized players will also serve 12-month bans from competition and each face an individual fine of 2,000 Swiss Francs. The case centers around questions of eligibility and the authenticity of documentation used to secure their international appearances for Malaysia, a developing story that impacts the nation’s competitive standing in regional football.
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FIFA’s Appeals Committee released documents detailing the decision, stating the players provided original ancestral documents that were subsequently altered by the FAM.
“The Players, while stating that they never read, examined, or in any way verified any documents, emphasized in their written statements that these documents were original and unaltered at the time they were provided to their respective agents,” the Appeals Committee wrote in its report.
“They argue that any manipulation occurred after the documents were submitted to the FAM and without their knowledge or involvement. With the exception of Player 1 [Gabriel Arrocha], who submitted the documents directly to his agent and did not submit copies of the documentation in the process.”
“The other Players submitted as evidence screenshots and WhatsApp conversations with their agents, all of which show the birth certificates of their grandparents, and none of which list a place of birth in Malaysia (or territory now constituting the country Malaysia).”
FIFA discovered that documents received from the FAM indicated the grandparents of the seven players were born within the borders of Malaysia. During the appeals committee review, the seven naturalized players stated that claims of Malaysian ancestry were generally based on family rumors rather than verified records. The ruling casts a shadow over the team’s recent performances and raises questions about future naturalization procedures.
(bay/krs)
