KUALA LUMPUR: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has spoken. The FA of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven so-called ‘heritage’ players have been handed the red card.
In short, its panel found that:
- the infraction of falsifying eligibility documents was established.
- the 12-month ban imposed by Fifa last September on the seven players from playing matches was a reasonable and proportionate sanction, “given their complicit responsibility in this fraud.”
- the ban, however, should only apply to matches and not to all football-related activities. This means the players can resume training with their respective clubs during the ban.
The seven players, whose names will go down in the history books for the wrong reasons, are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
CAS also ruled that the consolidated appeal by FAM was dismissed and the decision by Fifa on Sept 26, 2025 to impose a CHF350,000 fine on the national body remains in place.
The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Disciplinary Committee will now meet to decide on the Malaysian matches in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers – namely the clash against Nepal and Vietnam that the Harimau Malaya team won 2-0 and 4-0 respectively.
This latest saga joins a long list of woes that have plagued Malaysian football for decades – match fixing, non-payment of wages, weak governance, refereeing issues, lack of development programmes and poor maintenance culture, among others. These issues have been raised repeatedly over the years, only to fall on deaf ears.
FAM’s Independent Investigation Committe tasked to probe the episode, had in December said, it could not conclusively determine who falsified the documents. The committee recommended police reports, internal disciplinary action, and structural reforms
FAM then lodged a police report. But the police have yet to wrap up their investigation. The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s task force that was set up to probe the submission of forged documents to Fifa to register the seven footballers as heritage players has yet to make its findings public.
Forgery is a crime in Malaysia.
Following CAS’ decision, FAM now appears to be setting itself up for its latest drama. It’s called a ‘Reset’.
Talk of old guards allegedly orchestrating a line-up with new faces has surfaced. Perhaps some believe that will help create an illusion that all will be well in Kelana Jaya.
FAM requires real professionals, and more importantly a change in the system and work culture. That could perhaps revitalise Malaysian football administration at all levels.
Alas, it is not for football fans or sports writers to decide. The decision to vote in the saviours of Malaysian football lies solely with the affiliates. Yes, the very group that has, for decades, struggled to organise leagues in their respective states, development programmes and raise adequate funds.
Despite the smokescreen, the million-ringgit question remains – who is truly responsible for this episode?
It will also be interesting to see if the Youth and Sports Ministry has the courage to finally express its views on the matter. Its minister Dr Taufiq Johari and his predecessor Hannah Yeoh have been extremely diplomatic. It is as though they seem to be confused between having an opinion and doing something that may be seen as interference.
FAM turns 100 this year. Sadly, it will be remembered for this world-class humiliating saga.
