The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has attributed the recent FIFA suspensions of seven national players to a “technical error” in the document submission process. The suspensions were handed down after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found that FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10. The seven players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
FAM acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi has confirmed that the association will appeal the decision, stressing that the players are legitimate Malaysian citizens and that all documentation and procedures were submitted transparently according to prescribed guidelines. “FAM will be filing an appeal and will pursue all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the Malaysian national team,” Yusoff said.
The suspensions have sparked a strong reaction in the football-mad nation, with FAM vowing to fight the decision. Each of the seven players has been fined 2,000 Swiss francs (approximately RM10,560) and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities. Additionally, FAM has been fined 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately RM1.8 million).
FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman emphasized that the association takes the matter seriously and is working to resolve the issue. The association’s commitment to upholding international regulations and defending the integrity of Malaysian football remains unwavering, according to Yusoff. “We will continue to work closely with the Malaysian government and all stakeholders to ensure the process remains transparent, fair, and true to the spirit of sportsmanship,” he added.
