Indonesian media speak out as Malaysia files appeal to FIFA

Indonesian media, specifically CNN Indonesia, reacted after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officially submitted an appeal to FIFA regarding seven naturalized players accused of using fake documents.

According to CNN Indonesia, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has formally lodged an appeal with FIFA concerning the case of seven naturalized players alleged to have used fraudulent documents in their registration. This is seen as a significant effort by FAM to mitigate the harsh sanctions imposed by the global football governing body.

Acting President of FAM, Datuk Yusoff Mahadiconfirmed the appeal was submitted through an international legal team before the deadline on the morning of October 15 (local time). He stated that this time FAM included a newly compiled dossier, more thoroughly prepared, with authentic documents verifying the origins of the seven accused players.

“Filing the appeal reflects our desire to seek a positive outcome. The appointed lawyers have experience handling cases at the international level and understand FIFA’s regulations. This is a second chance for FAM to demonstrate transparency,” Mahadi told New Straits Times, as cited by CNN Indonesia.

Previously, FIFA determined that FAM violated regulations by submitting false documents regarding the backgrounds of seven naturalized players including Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. According to FIFA’s investigation, these players do not have grandparents born in Malaysia as claimed by FAM, but actually originate from Europe and South America.

Based on this conclusion, FIFA has fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (equivalent to about 7.2 billion VND) and suspended the involved players from competition for 12 months. Each player must also pay an additional fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (over 41 million VND).

CNN Indonesia reported that FAM places high hopes on the appeal process, especially since they have added new legal documents. Nevertheless, the case remains highly controversial in Malaysia and has drawn regional media attention, as the future of these naturalized players remains unresolved.