13 FAM officials accused of falsifying naturalization documents

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is facing its biggest governance crisis in a decade as 13 senior officials were found directly involved in a player naturalization fraud scandal. FIFA has handed down a 350,000 Swiss franc fine, while the AFC continues to consider further disciplinary measures. Public pressure is forcing FAM to act quickly, from an internal investigation to a possible CAS appeal.

Highlights: 13 FAM officials and a fine of 350,000 francs

According to TribunNews (Indonesia), the initial results from the FAM Special Committee show that many individuals in the leadership are involved. Some people are asked to voluntarily resign to serve the next legal steps.

• Thirteen FAM officials were accused of being directly involved.
• FIFA fined 350,000 Swiss francs (equivalent to nearly 11.5 billion VND) for violating regulations on falsifying and cheating player records.
• AFC is considering additional discipline.

Developments and internal investigation

Journalist Pola Singh said one of those who could be on the list of people to leave their positions is Datuk Joehari, former President of FAM. He suddenly resigned in August, just a few days before FIFA officially announced a heavy penalty for Malaysian football.

The internal investigation was carried out by FAM through a special committee, focusing on clarifying the registration process, document appraisal and signs of fraud related to the naturalization of players. According to sources in Kuala Lumpur, a large-scale personnel purge plan is considered as a necessary step to regain the trust of fans, while also hoping to receive leniency from FIFA and AFC.

Public pressure and official response

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad strongly criticized the incident, saying that “behind the incident are powerful people who believe they can get away with it”. In response to the wave of outrage, FAM set up an independent investigation committee headed by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, which began operating on November 4.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh affirmed that she will closely coordinate with the investigation committee to clarify any irregularities: “We will not allow anyone, regardless of position, to damage the reputation of Malaysian football.”

How to handle: personnel purge, possibility of suing CAS

The dual disciplinary situation from FIFA and the supervision of AFC has forced FAM to expand its legal options. According to information mentioned by the regional media, Malaysia is expected to file a lawsuit to CAS.

If implemented, the move would represent both an effort to defend itself against accusations and a message of commitment to reform. However, FAM’s immediate focus remains on internal issues: identifying individual responsibilities, tightening processes, and restructuring file controls.

Impact on image and fan confidence

The incident is considered the biggest earthquake in Malaysian football in the past decade. Not only the financial damage from the fine, the reputation and integrity of the national football management system is under the microscope. The trust of fans has been eroded, and the chance of recovery depends on the transparency of the investigation process and the determination of FAM to reform.

From a competitive perspective, a clean governance platform and a strict personnel process are the minimum conditions for the stability of the Malaysian national team and football levels. Clarifying the responsibilities of the 13 officials, along with a specific reform roadmap, will be a measure of FAM's ability to return in the eyes of the public and regional football governing bodies.

Immediate meaning

If FAM carries out a comprehensive personnel purge, working closely with the independent committee and the governing body, this could be the turning point in ending a long period of chaos. On the contrary, any delay or lack of transparency will prolong the punishment and the damage to trust.