FIFA fines FAM RM1.8 million and suspends seven heritage players for 12 months over falsified eligibility documents in a 2027 Asia Cup qualifier
KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven national heritage players have been sanctioned by FIFA for document forgery offences.
FIFA confirmed FAM and the players violated Article 22 of its Disciplinary Code by submitting falsified eligibility documents.
The documents enabled the players to feature in a 4-0 victory against Vietnam in a 2027 Asia Cup qualifier last June.
Consequently, FAM was fined CHF350,000, approximately RM1.8 million.
Each of the seven players was fined CHF2,000, approximately RM11,000, and suspended from all football for 12 months.
FIFA’s Appeals Committee rejected an appeal by FAM and the players on 3 November, upholding the original decision.
FAM announced on 18 November it would take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Analysts and former players described the case as a severe blow to administrative integrity.
Many fans have demanded comprehensive reform, new leadership, and greater transparency within FAM.
The scandal occurred amid other significant changes within the national football body.
FAM appointed its former president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin as Honorary President in June.
Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub resigned as president in late August, about six months after taking the role.
Despite the off-field issues, the Harimau Malaya squad ended the year undefeated.
The team, coached by Peter Cklamovski, recorded seven wins and one draw in international matches.
Malaysia leads its 2027 Asia Cup qualification group with a perfect record from five matches.
The national team’s world ranking has climbed to 116th, its best position in two decades.
Questions remain over the national Under-23 squad’s progress after several tournament failures.
The team was eliminated from the ASEAN U-23 Championship and failed to qualify for the 2026 U-23 Asia Cup.
It now faces a tough task at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand this month.
On the domestic stage, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) started the new season strongly.
JDT defended the Charity Shield for an eighth consecutive time by defeating Selangor FC 3-0.
The Southern Tigers are favourites to win a 12th consecutive Super League title this season.
The year 2025 has left a profound impact on Malaysian football due to the forgery scandal.
Demand for internal reform within FAM continues to resonate among analysts and fans.
The strong performance of the senior national squad offers a positive direction amid the administrative turmoil. – Bernama
