Following allegations of falsifying documents proving citizenship for footballers of foreign descent on the Malaysian national team, the entire Executive Committee of the Football Association of Malaysia has quit.
FAM stated that the resignations will allow for reforms “without distractions or perceived conflict” and restore public confidence. This move was made amid rumors that FIFA would appoint a committee to supervise Malaysian football.
FAM will continue to be run by the secretary-general of FAM until a new committee has been formed. The Asian Football Confederation is also supporting this team.
FIFA Investigations and Allegations
Seven foreign-born footballers’ eligibility to play for Malaysia was questioned after they beat Vietnam 4-0 in a qualifier for the Asian Cup last year. FIFA has accused FAM for falsifying documents in order to give the impression that players’ grandfathers were Malaysian-born, thus allowing them play under FIFA’s “grandfather rule.”
Players involved in the game are:
- Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui (Spain)
- Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca (Argentina)
- Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano (Netherlands)
- Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo (Brazil)
Consequences of Appeals
Malaysia lost 3-0 to Singapore, Palestine and Cape Verde in three matches. FIFA imposed fines of around $440,000 and 350,000 Swiss Francs. FAM appealed to FIFA, but it was denied. The case then moved to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Recently, CAS lifted its suspension of the players, while it examines the case. The players can now return to training with their clubs and to matches. Facundo Garcia, for example, has returned to training at Deportivo Alaves. Joao Figueriredo Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal have also rejoined Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Southeast Asia’s Foreign Born Players
Malaysia is not the only country that uses foreign-born players. Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations have recruited diaspora players to strengthen their national teams. According to Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the Home Minister of Malaysia, 23 athletes born abroad have been granted citizenship and allowed to represent Malaysia’s national team since 2018.
FAM is awaiting CAS’s decision which should be made in late February. This will determine future eligibility for the seven players.
