MACC steps back from Fifa probe on heritage players, leaves FAM to handle forged document claims

MACC steps back from Fifa probe on heritage players, leaves FAM to handle forged document claims



The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has opted not to pursue a meeting with Fifa, leaving the Football Association of Malaysia to address allegations of falsified registration documents involving seven heritage players. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Sunday, 28 Sep 2025 5:16 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opted not to pursue a meeting with Fifa, leaving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to address allegations of falsified registration documents involving seven heritage players.

The commission said it had consulted the Home Ministry and held discussions with the National Registration Department (NRD), which provided documentation related to the players’ citizenship applications and registration processes, according to a report by New Straits Times.

“Through this cooperation, the MACC was supplied with several documents related to the citizenship application and registration processes of the players involved,” it said in a statement.

“Based on preliminary checks, the MACC found that the issue appears to be related to technical procedures and does not fall within its jurisdiction at this time. Furthermore, no offence has been identified under the MACC Act 2009 so far,” the commission added.


MACC advised all parties to allow the resolution process to unfold and cautioned against speculation that could interfere with ongoing discussions.

Earlier, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said he had directed investigators to meet with Fifa officials to assess whether any wrongdoing had occurred under the commission’s purview.

Fifa had imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8 million) on FAM, while suspending seven naturalised players for 12 months and issuing each a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs.


Fifa’s disciplinary committee said that FAM had violated Article 22 of its code, which deals with forgery and falsification.

The organisation claimed that forged documents were used during eligibility checks to allow seven players to take part in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asia Cup qualifier.