FIFA Sanctions Malaysian Football Association Over Falsified Naturalization Documents
Zurich, Switzerland – FIFA has imposed sanctions on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized players after uncovering evidence of falsified documentation used to circumvent eligibility regulations. A FIFA inquiry, spurred by official complaints, revealed that claims of Malaysian ancestry for the players were untrue, leading to disciplinary action.
The seven players – identified as Arrocha,Garces,Holgado,Machuca,Figueredo,iraurgui,and Serrano – were initially naturalized based on assertions that their grandparents were born in Malaysia. FIFA launched an investigation into the eligibility of Arrocha, Holgado, Machuca, Iraurgui, and Serrano, noting the recent timing of their arrival in Malaysia, their debut for local clubs, and the swiftness of their naturalization and international appearances.
The investigation, conducted by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, focused on verifying the players’ ancestral claims. FIFA obtained original birth certificates which contradicted the information provided by FAM. For example, documentation proved that Arrocha’s grandmother, Maria Belen Concepcion Martin, was born in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain, and Tomas Garces’s grandfather, Carlos Rogelio Garces Fernandez, was born in Santa Fe De La cruz, Argentina – not Penang, Malaysia, as claimed.
“Based on existing evidence, the Secretariat confidently can determine that the documents submitted by FAM are fake and that the players have used these documents to avoid and violate the applicable FIFA regulations to meet the requirements to represent the FAM team,” FIFA stated in its report.
FIFA determined that FAM had violated Article 22 of its disciplinary code concerning naturalization. The sanctions imposed on FAM and the players have not been publicly detailed, but FIFA confirmed a disciplinary process was held.
FAM has released an official statement indicating they will appeal FIFA’s investigation report.
This case highlights the stringent regulations surrounding player eligibility and the importance of accurate documentation in international football. FIFA’s investigation underscores its commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring fair competition.
(ASM/SAR)
