The entire executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has resigned amid a simmering scandal over foreign-born players in the national team. FIFA, the world football governing body, has accused FAM of doctoring citizenship documents so seven foreign-born athletes could play for Malaysia. In a statement released on Wednesday, FAM outlined that these mass resignations would 'ensure that any necessary reforms may be undertaken without distraction or perceived conflicts, and with a renewed basis of trust.' For days, there had been speculation that FAM leaders would step down to prevent a takeover by a FIFA-nominated committee.
FAM indicated that the resignations were meant to 'safeguard the reputation and institutional interests of FAM' and avoid consequences that 'could affect Malaysian football as a whole.' Until a new committee is appointed, FAM's operations will be managed by a small team led by its secretary-general, with assistance from the Asian Football Confederation. The seven foreign-born players implicated in the scandal have been fined by FIFA and temporarily suspended, although their suspension was recently lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is set to deliver a verdict on their cases.
The scandal originated following Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last June, which led to an investigation into the eligibility of the seven players, who include athletes from Spain, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Brazil. FIFA's 'grandfather rule' allows these players to represent the countries where their ancestors were born, but the organization claims that FAM forged birth certificates to facilitate the players' eligibility. FAM has attributed discrepancies to an 'administrative error,' asserting the players are 'legitimate Malaysian citizens.' Ultimately, FIFA has rejected FAM's appeals, resulting in the reversal of several match outcomes and heightened scrutiny over the federation's practices. As further developments unfold, Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, continue to seek sporting success through naturalized players.
FAM indicated that the resignations were meant to 'safeguard the reputation and institutional interests of FAM' and avoid consequences that 'could affect Malaysian football as a whole.' Until a new committee is appointed, FAM's operations will be managed by a small team led by its secretary-general, with assistance from the Asian Football Confederation. The seven foreign-born players implicated in the scandal have been fined by FIFA and temporarily suspended, although their suspension was recently lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is set to deliver a verdict on their cases.
The scandal originated following Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last June, which led to an investigation into the eligibility of the seven players, who include athletes from Spain, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Brazil. FIFA's 'grandfather rule' allows these players to represent the countries where their ancestors were born, but the organization claims that FAM forged birth certificates to facilitate the players' eligibility. FAM has attributed discrepancies to an 'administrative error,' asserting the players are 'legitimate Malaysian citizens.' Ultimately, FIFA has rejected FAM's appeals, resulting in the reversal of several match outcomes and heightened scrutiny over the federation's practices. As further developments unfold, Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, continue to seek sporting success through naturalized players.
