Anwar Ibrahim Commits to Comprehensive Inquiry into FIFA Player Bans

Post by : Mara Rahim

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that the investigation into the alleged document forgery, which resulted in FIFA suspending seven players from the national football team, will be conducted with complete transparency.

This week, FIFA announced that it would formally examine the operations of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). The global football authority also alerted five countries about possible criminal charges after turning down FAM’s appeal against the suspensions.

Last month, FAM had already suspended its secretary-general and established an independent committee to look into the situation. The association indicated it would refer the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Prime Minister Anwar emphasized that the inquiry must be transparent but also allowed FAM the opportunity to defend its actions. He stated, “Proceed with the investigation. That is the directive. Nonetheless, the due process is essential,” he asserted.

The seven players—Facundo Garces, Gabriel Arrocha, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel—were given a 12-month ban in September because FIFA found that fraudulent documentation permitted them to take part in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.

The revelation has caused significant unrest in Malaysia, with supporters and certain legislators demanding actions against FAM personnel and government officials linked to citizenship documents.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh informed parliament that the ministry cannot terminate FAM officials, warning that such government interference in national football governance could lead to a FIFA suspension. A suspension, she cautioned, could adversely impact not just the senior team but also youth and women’s squads.

“I understand the public outcry, but I am bound to adhere to the process and FIFA’s findings regarding the seven players,” Yeoh stated. She mentioned that the ministry is considering withholding further funding for FAM until an investigation is completed, which will be led by a distinguished former Malaysian judge.

FIFA’s appeals committee report indicated that although the players asserted their grandparents’ Malaysian origins, there were considerable inconsistencies in the birth certificates provided by FIFA compared to those submitted by FAM.

Both the Prime Minister and FAM have committed to a full and open investigation, ensuring accountability while safeguarding the sanctity of Malaysian football.