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FAM responds to Harimau Malaya heritage players scandal
FAM responds to Harimau Malaya heritage players scandal
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced on Friday (17 Oct) that it had suspended its secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman with immediate effect in the wake of Harimau Malaya squad’s heritage player scandal.
During the press conference, FAM refused to disclose the family backgrounds of the 7 players, claiming it could interfere with the ongoing appeal process with FIFA. FAM has already been sanctioned by FIFA for alleged document forgery and falsification of citizenship of these players.
The decision on whether the 7 players are allowed to return to the field or remain suspended is expected to be issued on 30 October, following FAM's appeal to FIFA.
If the players or FAM are not satisfied with the Appeal Committee's verdict, they may still bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The controversy dates back to September, when FIFA had imposed fines of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million) on FAM and 12-month bans on all 7 players. The players were also fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM11,000) each.
FIFA later released a report, citing findings that the copies of the players' grandparents' birth certificates submitted by FAM did not match original civil records in the players' actual countries of birth.
The players concerned are: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
Producer: Wong Yu Han, Sara Kok
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