Malaysia makes a harsh decision regarding 7 naturalized players

Malaysia has provoked public anger by choosing to appeal solely for itself, leaving the 7 naturalized players suspended and heavily penalized by FIFA to fend for themselves.

Malaysian football continues to face a credibility crisis following a shocking naturalization scandal. Although appealing the sanctions from the World Football Federation (FIFA), the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been heavily criticized by fans for allegedly “abandoning” seven naturalized players who are under severe disciplinary actions.

At a press conference on the afternoon of October 17, FAM confirmed it had filed an appeal to FIFA after being accused of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), related to forgery and misinformation during the player naturalization process. However, what enraged the public was that FAM only defended itself while the seven suspended players had to hire their own lawyers and handle legal procedures independently.

The players most affected include Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Imanol Machuca, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, and Rodrigo Holgado. According to FIFA’s decision, they are banned from all football activities for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs (approximately 66 million VND) each.

During the more than 20-minute press conference, FAM did not provide any new details about the appeal process and kept all documents submitted to FIFA confidential. FAM Vice President, Datuk Sivasundaram, stated: “FAM is only appealing its own penalty. The players have their own legal teams to work with FIFA.”

This statement triggered widespread outrage on social media. A Malaysian supporter wrote: “FAM is truly selfish. When they need achievements, these players are heroes. Now in trouble, they are abandoned.”

Page ASEAN Football commented bitterly: “FAM only saves itself, leaving 7 players behind – a decision that makes many laugh bitterly.”

Malaysian media called this “the biggest stain” on the country’s football in the past decade. Although the appeal result is expected to be announced on October 30, FAM’s image has been severely damaged in the eyes of fans.