The World Football Organization (FIFA) has accused the Malaysian federation of falsifying citizenship documents in order to allow seven players to play for the national team, which is currently ranked 121st in the FIFA rankings, writes the BBC.
In a statement released on Wednesday, FAM said the resignations allow “all necessary reforms to be carried out without disruption and with renewed confidence”. Local media had speculated in the past few days that the federation’s leaders would step down to prevent a board appointed by FIFA from taking over management.
FAM added that the resignations aim to protect the association’s reputation and institutional interests, and that until a new board is appointed, the operational business will be managed by a small team led by the general secretary with the support of the Asian Football Confederation.
FIFA launched an investigation into the playing rights of seven foreign-born footballers following Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last June.
These are players born in Spain – Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facund Tomas Garces and Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, Argentines Rodrigo Julian Holgado and Imanol Javier Machuca, Dutchman Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano and Brazilian Joao Vitor Brandau Figueiredo.
FIFA’s so-called the “grandparent rule” allows foreign-born players to represent the country where their parents or grandparents were born. However, according to FIFA, FAM falsified birth certificates to make it appear that the players’ ancestors were born in Malaysia, while the original documents show they were born in Spain and Argentina. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee fined the players and suspended them for 12 months, and the association was ordered to pay a fine of €381,000. FIFA also overturned the results of Malaysia’s three matches, registering them as 3-0 defeats.
After the rejection of the appeal before FIFA, FAM took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). On Monday, CAS lifted the suspension of seven players, allowing them to participate in football activities until a final decision is made, which is expected at the end of February. This means that players can immediately return to their clubs. Spanish club Deportivo Alaves confirmed the return of Facundo Garces to training, while photos from Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim showed the return of Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal.
Southeast Asian countries are increasingly launching programs to recruit naturalized soccer players. Since 2018, Malaysia has granted citizenship to 23 foreigners to play for the national team, said Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
(Vijesti.ba)
