FIFA Fines Malaysia, Suspends Seven Heritage Players

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) submitted forged birth certificates to register seven heritage players, imposing a CHF350,000 fine on FAM and suspending each player for 12 months with CHF2,000 fines. The seven players named in the decisions are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Joao Figueiredo. FAM denied the allegations, said paperwork had been properly prepared and verified, confirmed it will appeal and is awaiting FIFA’s full written judgment before lodging formal appeals. The Asian Football Confederation said it will await the outcome of FAM’s legal avenues, while former striker Safee Sali and Malaysia’s Sports Minister publicly urged a response and acknowledged reputational damage. The sanctions forced immediate squad changes for upcoming qualifiers and have cast doubt on Malaysia’s recent push to naturalise foreign-born talent.