After a severe penalty, Malaysia's top official questions FIFA

FIFA unexpectedly imposed heavy sanctions on FAM and suspended seven naturalized players, prompting Vice President Dollah Salleh to raise concerns about the issue.

Malaysian football is shaken after FIFA suddenly issued a harsh penalty against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized players, despite previously granting them permission to compete.

In response, Malaysian football legend Datuk Dollah Salleh, currently serving as FAM’s Vice President, voiced his questions: “Considering the previous decisions, the permits had already been granted, so why is it that now FIFA is issuing sanctions? I believe this matter will be resolved soon with a positive outcome for FAM.”

During Malaysia’s impressive 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, FAM received FIFA approval on June 10 for five naturalized players. Their participation was key to the team’s outstanding performance.

However, recently FIFA unexpectedly announced heavy penalties on FAM and imposed a one-year suspension on seven players: Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Joao Figueiredo, and Rodrigo Holgado.

FAM Vice President Dollah affirmed that FAM is not panicking despite the difficult situation: “We have had discussions with senior leaders. Let’s wait and see; everything should become clear within 10 days. FAM remains very calm,” he stated.

FIFA’s sanction could seriously affect Malaysia’s plans in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The simultaneous absence of seven naturalized players will undoubtedly weaken the team, which has been gaining strength recently.

What puzzles the public is the contradiction in FIFA’s decisions. Only in June, the organization confirmed the eligibility of some naturalized players to compete, but now it abruptly imposes penalties. This raises questions about consistency and transparency in the approval process.

While awaiting an official response from FIFA, FAM plans to pursue further legal and administrative steps to appeal. With optimism expressed by Vice President Dollah Salleh, Malaysian football hopes the issue will be resolved, preserving the squad for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.