THE MALAYSIAN Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said the allegations of document forgery involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven national players involves a technical process not within the jurisdiction of the anti-graft agency.
In a statement today, MACC said it had been in contact with the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and met with the National Registration Department (JPN).
"MACC was provided with several documents relating to the application and registration process for the citizenship of the players involved. There is no basis for an offence identified under the MACC Act 2009.
"Therefore, MACC will not be in contact with FIFA and will leave this issue entirely to FAM to resolve with FIFA.
"MACC calls on all parties to give those involved time and not to make any speculation that may affect the ongoing discussions," it said in a statement.
It was earlier reported that MACC would initiate an investigation into the allegations led by Director of Investigations Datuk Zainul Darus who was to communicate with FIFA to clarify the matter.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki clarified that no formal complaint has been lodged with MACC, but the commission is acting based on public interest and media reports, particularly the official statement from FIFA.
The controversy erupted after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found FAM and seven players guilty of breaching Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, relating to the falsification of documents used to verify player eligibility.
The players implicated 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. All featured in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Vietnam on 10 June.
FIFA stated that forged documents were submitted by FAM to secure eligibility for the players to participate in official matches. As a result, FAM was fined CHF350,000 (RM1.8 million).
Each of the seven players has also been fined CHF2,000 (RM10,560) and suspended from all football-related activities for 12 months, effective immediately.
FIFA has referred the matter concerning the players' eligibility to represent Malaysia to its Football Tribunal for further review. - September 28, 2025
