Fifa to probe FAM, sec-gen over 'heritage' players fiasco
Published: Nov 18, 2025 11:59 AM
Updated: 2:59 PM
The International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) is launching a formal investigation into the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) internal operations following document forgery findings related to the citizenship of some Harimau Malaya players.
In September, Fifa sanctioned FAM and its seven “heritage” players over the matter.
It will also investigate three individuals in relation to the case - suspended FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman, as well as licensed Fifa agents Nicolás Puppo and Frederico Moraes.
“Their involvement raises serious concerns that merit thorough scrutiny,” the Fifa appeals committee said in its report released yesterday.
Fifa had imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million) on FAM, while the players - Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal, and Hector Hevel - were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs.
According to Fifa, the seven “heritage” players do not have any grandparents born in Malaysia as claimed.
However, FAM rejected allegations of doctoring documents, arguing that Fifa had not provided evidence to substantiate its claims.
FAM later filed an appeal with Fifa against the sanctions, claiming a technical error, but it was dismissed on Nov 3.
On Oct 17, FAM suspended Azman in relation to the case and announced an independent probe.
FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman
Informing relevant authorities
Fifa said the investigation is aimed at, among others, identifying the individuals responsible for falsifying citizenship documents.
“We will assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials,” it added.
Given the gravity of the situation, the world sports body stated that it would direct its secretariat to inform the relevant authorities in Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
“Forgery constitutes a criminal offence in these jurisdictions, and it is imperative that the relevant authorities are informed so that appropriate criminal investigations and proceedings may be pursued,” Fifa said.
Informing relevant authorities
Fifa said the investigation is aimed at, among others, identifying the individuals responsible for falsifying citizenship documents.
“We will assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials,” it added.
Given the gravity of the situation, the world sports body stated that it would direct its secretariat to inform the relevant authorities in Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
“Forgery constitutes a criminal offence in these jurisdictions, and it is imperative that the relevant authorities are informed so that appropriate criminal investigations and proceedings may be pursued,” Fifa said.
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Why is Malaysia still so stubborn? 'Dah kalah liao lah
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