Scandal in Malaysian football: Top brass resigns over Garcés case and naturalized players

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Bangkok – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced this Wednesday the collective and voluntary resignation of all members of its Executive Committee. This decision comes after the document forgery scandal related to the eligibility of foreign players for the 2027 Asian Cup. The case involves the Argentinian footballer Facundo Garcés, player for Alavés.

“The Executive Committee assumes collective responsibility and the need to act in a way that protects the integrity of the FAM,” the association noted in a statement.

FAM Statement
The decision, effective immediately, aims primarily to safeguard the reputation and interests of FAM. In addition, it seeks to mitigate the deterioration of Malaysian football, restore the fans’ confidence, and uphold the principle of accountability. FIFA suspended seven naturalized Malaysian players, including Facundo Garcés, for alleged document forgery. It was alleged that the players presented false family ties to Malaysia. FIFA investigations suggest that the certificates presented by the Malaysian federation could contain false information. The FAM faces a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately 375,000 euros). FIFA determined that the federation submitted eligibility inquiries using falsified documentation to align Garcés and other players.
  • Gabriel Palmero
  • Rodrigo Holgado
  • Imanol Machuca
  • João Figueiredo
  • Jon Irazábal
  • Héctor Hevel
Each soccer player was sanctioned with 2,000 Swiss francs (about 2,140 euros). The mass resignation also seeks to “make room” for investigations, including one by FIFA, following Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifying match.
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