The FIFA accuses Malaysia of manipulating documents in the naturalization of seven national players. The national association does not accept this.
In the scandal surrounding naturalized football national players of Malaysia, the last word has not yet been spoken. As President Yusoff Mahadi explained in a statement on Tuesday, the Malaysian national association will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision of the world association FIFA. Specifically, it concerns the suspension of seven players who are said to have received their eligibility to play due to “manipulated documents.”
Because, according to FIFA’s view, none of the players have ancestors in Malaysia, which is a prerequisite for selection for a national team, the world association imposed sanctions. An objection from the FAM was recently rejected after a further “review and hearing.”
Now the CAS should decide. “This step is being taken to ensure justice and to defend the integrity of the procedure for eligibility to play established by the Malaysian government and the responsible authorities,” said Mahadi.
The Spanish-born Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazábal, the Argentinians Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca, the Brazilian João Figueiredo, and the Dutch-born Hector Hevel were suspended for twelve months at the end of September. They also received a fine of 2000 Swiss francs (2141 euros) each.
The FAM was found 350,000 francs (375,000 euros). The players were used on June 10 in the third round of qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup against Vietnam (4:0). After the game, FIFA received a complaint regarding the eligibility to play.
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