'FIFA unlikely to change sanctions against Malaysian football'

25/10/2025 16:27:00 TrophyTracker

Johor Crown Prince Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is skeptical about FIFA reversing its decision and worries that the global football authority will uphold the penalties imposed on Malaysia’s national team.

At today’s press conference on October 25, Tunku Ismail asserted that all involved parties must bear responsibility for the incident that caused seven naturalized players to be punished by FIFA for breaking eligibility regulations.

"I do not agree with the suspension of the Secretary-General of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Mr. Noor Azman Rahman. He does not deserve to be suspended. Actually, everyone should be accountable, including the national team CEO, Rob Friend," he stressed.

Ismail Sultan Ibrahim expressed his concerns regarding the future of Malaysian football.

The seven naturalized players—Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Facundo Garcés, and Gabriel Palmero—have been banned from playing for one year by FIFA due to eligibility violations. Both FAM and these players have been fined a combined amount close to 2 million RM.

FAM is currently appealing the decision and may bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has submitted an appeal to FIFA over accusations of falsifying documents for seven naturalized players—Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel—prior to their match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

FIFA’s final decision will be announced on October 30. If the appeal fails, FAM intends to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for resolution.

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