PN calls for RCI to probe 'heritage' players fiasco

PN calls for RCI to probe 'heritage' players fiasco


Published: Oct 8, 2025 10:40 AM
Updated: 3:56 PM



Perikatan Nasional has urged the government to form a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate the scandal involving “heritage” players.

This came after the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven footballers over claims of doctored documents in relation to their Malaysian citizenship.

Calling the incident regrettable, PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said the RCI must investigate those involved in processing and authenticating the alleged documents, including the National Registration Department (NRD).

“The Home Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry should also check if there are elements of corruption, abuse of power or political interference involved in the matter,” the Kota Bharu MP added in a statement today.

In the grounds of its sanctions, Fifa found that the seven players’ grandparents did not originate from Malaysia as claimed by the Malaysian sports body:

• Gabriel Felipe Arrocha - grandparent born in Spain (not Malacca)
• Facundo Tomás Garcés - grandparent born in Argentina (not Penang)
• Rodrigo Julián Holgado - grandparent born in Argentina (not Penang)
• Imanol Javier Machuca - grandparent born in Argentina (not Penang)
• João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo - grandparent born in Brazil (not Johor)
• Jon Irazábal Iraurgui - grandparent born in Spain (not Sarawak)
• Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano - grandparent born in the Netherlands (not Malacca)

Top row: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca. Bottom row: João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano

Earlier, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail insisted that the citizenship process for the players adhered to the law.

On Sept 28, FAM attributed the problem to a “technical error” in the submission process of documents.


‘Organised forgery’

Takiyuddin expressed shock over NRD’s admission that it did not receive the footballers’ original documents to substantiate their “heritage” status, with supporting documents provided based on “second-hand information” or hearsay.

The admission, he added, made it clear that it was no longer an administrative error but involved cheating and forgery of official documents, which has brought disrepute to Malaysia.

“As Fifa said, this is no longer a matter of technical error but of organised forgery.

“This incident has also revealed serious weaknesses in FAM’s verification process, as well as government agencies like the NRD and Home Ministry.

“It also reflects how Malaysia is now seen as a country that has failed to defend integrity and honesty when it comes to handling international affairs,” the PAS secretary-general added.

Accept responsibility

Echoing Takiyiddin’s sentiments, Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy said that getting Malaysian citizenship is an arduous process, with many waiting for years just for an NRD reply despite being born in Malaysia.

“However, if the applicants are third and fourth-rate foreign players, citizenship is waiting for them with open arms,” he said in a statement today.

Urimai chief P Ramasamy


Ramasamy urged FAM to accept responsibility for the matter instead of hiding behind technicalities.

“But the real question is, why is Malaysia so hard up in getting foreign players rather than looking at the local talents?

“Even by bringing in foreign players with their expensive salaries and allowances, Malaysian football has not risen to the occasion,” the former DAP lawmaker added.

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At a mortal level PMX will never sack Saifuddin coz' of very old kamceng & DAP will never remove Hannah, so let's frigg the FAM boss, wakakaka