Youth Ministry seeks balance between FIFA compliance and domestic accountability after seven heritage players suspended for document forgery.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Youth and Sports will balance international regulations with domestic accountability regarding documentation for seven national heritage football players.
Minister Hannah Yeoh said this approach is crucial for the Football Association of Malaysia to strengthen governance and restore public confidence in national football.
She warned that any FIFA suspension would affect the national team, all age-group teams, and the entire local football ecosystem including MFL, AFL, and clubs.
“The government needs to be cautious because any form of intervention could lead to FAM being suspended by FIFA,” Yeoh stated in a Facebook post.
She cited historical examples of countries suspended by FIFA including Indonesia (2015), Zimbabwe (2022), Chad (2021), Benin (2015), and Brunei (2009).
These cases demonstrate FIFA’s firm stance on Statute 15(c) requiring football associations to be free from political or government interference.
Yeoh confirmed the ministry will work closely with the Independent Special Investigation Committee led by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif.
“The investigation results will serve as the basis for corrective measures that must be complied with by FAM,” she said.
FIFA recently rejected appeals by FAM and seven heritage players – Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.
The FIFA Appeal Committee upheld sanctions for document forgery under Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
FAM was fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million) while each player received a CHF2,000 (around RM11,000) fine.
All seven players received 12-month suspensions from football-related activities.
FAM Acting President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi expressed surprise at the decision and said the association will seek full details before considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. – Bernama
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