FAM acknowledges errors in the naturalization process of players, caused by administrative staff.

28/09/2025 20:36:00 esportapi

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) admits to errors in the naturalization process of seven players for the national team, identifying the cause as a technical fault.

"At 6:50 PM today, September 28 (Vietnam time), FAM released a statement on their official social media regarding the unauthorized naturalization of seven players. On behalf of FAM, Noor Azman HJ Rahman, Secretary-General, said: 'FAM is awaiting the full decision from FIFA before lodging an appeal following the current procedures and legal measures. We announce that a technical error was found in the application process handled by administrative staff. FAM takes this issue very seriously. However, we emphasize that the players involved are lawful Malaysian citizens.'"

FAM’s announcement

Earlier today, FAM also confirmed that no appeal has yet been submitted to FIFA.

"FAM has denied rumors regarding Mr. Hamidin’s role in this crisis. Acting President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi stated that Hamidin’s trip is unrelated to the appeal but is solely to attend the FIFA Council meeting starting October 2.

"Mr. Hamidin is going to attend the FIFA Council meeting. This trip has nothing to do with the appeal," Yusoff confirmed.

Yusoff emphasized that FAM will not file an appeal until FIFA clearly explains the basis for the sanction. The final decision will first be made by FIFA’s Players' Status Committee.

"We have requested FIFA to provide detailed information to understand the grounds for the sanction. After the Committee issues its final ruling, we will decide on the next steps," he added.

On September 26, FIFA imposed a fine of 350,000 CHF (equivalent to 11.5 billion VND) for document forgery. Meanwhile, the seven players—Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Figueiredo, Irazabal, and Hevel—were fined 2,000 CHF each (about 66 million VND) and banned from all football activities for one year.

According to FIFA regulations, FAM has 10 days to appeal. After that, FIFA will issue the final penalty regarding this case. Then, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will base its decision on FIFA’s ruling to determine the "fate" of Malaysia’s national team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

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