KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has signalled its readiness to step in should any irregularities surface in the ongoing player eligibility dispute between the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven heritage players sanctioned by FIFA.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told Scoop that the commission would not hesitate to reopen investigations should new evidence or suspicious elements emerge following FIFA’s appeal process.
“We would not hesitate to reopen investigations should new evidence or irregularities surface, ensuring that the integrity of the entire process remains uncompromised,” he said.
Azam clarified that, for now, MACC has not launched any formal probe, describing the matter as a technical issue between FAM and world football’s governing body.
“We have received clarification from FAM and found that the issue is related to the submission of documents to FIFA.
“It is, at this stage, a technical issue between FAM and FIFA, including the suspension of FAM’s secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman,” he said.
He added that MACC will allow FIFA to assess FAM’s appeal before considering any further action.
“So, it’s up to FIFA whether they will consider the appeal submitted by FAM. But for now, MACC will not investigate the matter, as it falls more under FIFA’s jurisdiction.
“We have also taken into account verification from the Home Ministry concerning the seven heritage players,” Azam added.
The controversy erupted after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee penalised FAM and seven heritage players for allegedly breaching Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code on document falsification.
The players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel.
FAM has since lodged an appeal with FIFA, maintaining that all players in question possess valid Malaysian heritage documentation. — October 18, 2025