Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) faces fan fury over seven suspended players and ongoing FIFA document forgery probe.
THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) faced a storm of criticism during last night’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group F third-round clash against Nepal at Bukit Jalil’s National Stadium.
Fans were vocal in their outrage, both in the stadium and across social media sharing images and videos of banners condemning FAM’s recent actions.
One banner read: “Jangan gadaikan maruah negara. Maruah ini bukan untuk digadai. Selesaikan Segara. FAM Bangsat” (Don’t sell off the nation’s dignity. This dignity is not for sale. Resolve quickly. FAM Bangsat).
In a creative twist, fans also turned to dikir barat, the traditional Malay musical art form, chanting: “CEO is full of s**t,” Malaysiakini reported.
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The backlash comes as FIFA investigates FAM following the suspension of seven naturalised players for allegedly submitting doctored documents in Malaysia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.
“This investigation shall aim to identify the individuals responsible for the falsification of documents, assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials,” FIFA said.
FAM is currently appealing the sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim reportedly offering to cover the costs.
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Earlier this year, FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million), while the seven players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano — were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs and given 12-month suspensions.
The revelations have also raised questions about Rob Friend’s exact role with the national team.
According to FIFA, Friend clarified that he serves as a consultant to FAM, based in Canada and travelling to Malaysia for matchdays — a role that contrasts with Malaysian reports describing him as the team’s CEO.
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