Malaysia goes all out: Plays the trump card to 'counterattack' FIFA

In response to FIFA’s harsh penalty, FAM quickly designated a powerful judicial figure to head the Independent Investigation Committee, aiming to shed light on the issue of seven naturalized Malaysian players.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officially announced the appointment of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Tun Md Raus Sharif as chairman of the independent committee to investigate matters related to the documentation of seven naturalized Malaysian players. This is considered a crucial step to ensure a fair and transparent review process following FIFA’s 12-month suspension of these players.

According to FAM Vice President Dato' S. Sivasundaram, the independent committee will exclude any individuals from FAM to guarantee absolute impartiality in the investigation. Previously, FIFA accused FAM and the seven players of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), concerning document forgery during international registration.

The seven named players 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 are naturalized players who have recently represented the Malaysian national team.

FAM stated in a press release: “The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today announces the appointment of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Tun Md Raus Sharif as Chairman of the Independent Committee to investigate the case involving seven naturalized Harimau Malaya players who were suspended by FIFA for 12 months. As Vice President Dato' S. Sivasundaram previously stated, this committee will operate fully independently, with no involvement from any FAM personnel.”

Tun Md Raus is a veteran judicial figure, beginning his career in 1976 and having held many important positions such as judge, prosecutor, and legal advisor to states and major ministries. He was appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia’s Supreme Court in 2017, and has also served as President of the Asian Constitutional Court Association and as a member of the ASEAN Chief Justices’ Council (CACJ).

With his prestige and extensive experience, FAM hopes Tun Md Raus and the committee members he selects will conduct a thorough, objective, and professional investigation before delivering the final verdict. Will this investigation open the door to clearing the naturalized Malaysian players’ suspensions?