The world governing body of football, FIFA, has delivered a massive blow to the Malaysian national team, suspending seven players for 12 months and issuing a hefty fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately $440,000) to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
The disciplinary action was taken after FIFA’s disciplinary committee concluded that FAM had falsified paperwork to field the players during Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asia Cup qualifier back in June.
Details of the Sanctions
The decision follows a complaint lodged regarding the eligibility of several players who participated in the match. The seven suspended players are:
- Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
- Facundo Tomas Garces
- Rodrigo Julian Holgado
- Imanol Javier Machuca
- Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo
- Jon Irazabal Iraurgui
- Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano
In addition to the 12-month ban from all football-related activities, each of the seven players has been individually fined 2,000 Swiss francs.
FAM Vows to Appeal
The Football Association of Malaysia has vehemently rejected the ruling and announced its intention to appeal the decision. In a public statement, the body insisted that both the players and the association acted transparently and in good faith.
“FAM would like to emphasise that the players involved, and FAM itself, have acted in good faith and with full transparency throughout this process,” the statement read, adding a critical detail: the association claims FIFA had previously reviewed and confirmed the players’ eligibility.
FAM has reiterated its commitment to using all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the national team.
Potential Qualification Impact
The immediate effect of the ruling is significant for Malaysia, which currently leads its 2027 Asia Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches. If the ruling is upheld, Malaysia will likely be forced to forfeit the 4-0 victory over Vietnam, resulting in a loss of points that would dramatically affect their standing in the final stages of the qualification race.
The case remains open pending the outcome of FAM’s appeal.
Source: AP News
