FIFA postpones FAM case verdict: VAR drags on Vietnam - Malaysia
FIFA has not yet made a decision on FAM's naturalization case by October 30. The document lists Facundo Garces and Imanol Machuca; FAM is preparing to appeal and consider CAS.
The deadline for announcement on October 30 has passed, FIFA has yet to issue a disciplinary decision regarding the alleged naturalization fraud of 7 players associated with FAM. The silence has turned the incident into a long “VAR minute” between Vietnam and Malaysia: the expectations of Vietnamese fans contrast with the anxiety in Malaysia.
FIFA silent after October 30 deadline
According to the original plan, FIFA will make a final decision on October 30 regarding the “fate” of FAM and the 7 players accused of naturalization fraud. However, after this milestone, the world’s most powerful football organization has yet to make an official statement. According to Malaysian press, the silence does not stem from a lack of evidence.
Capitalde Noticias published a document stating that Facundo Garces, who played for Colon Club (Argentina), lied about his Malaysian origin. FAM reported that Garces’ grandfather was born in Malaysia, but FIFA’s investigation confirmed that the birth certificate was faked, and the player’s grandfather was actually born in Santa Fe (Argentina), more than 14,000 km away from Malaysia. This detail is considered “golden evidence” in the file.
Two Argentine links in the naturalization dossier
Facundo Garces and the Forged Documents
Documents show that the birth certificate related to Garces' grandfather is invalid. Investigation results determined the real origin is Santa Fe, Argentina, contradicting the report stating the origin is Malaysia.
Imanol Machuca and the lie about his grandmother
Not only Garces, Imanol Machuca was also found to have lied when he claimed his grandmother was Malaysian. Investigation results showed that Machuca's grandmother was born in the town of Roldan, Santa Fe province, with no connection to Malaysia.
FAM appeals, legal pressure and prolonged “VAR”
With the evidence published and the solid investigation results announced by FIFA earlier, international experts assessed that the possibility of FAM “escaping the crime” was almost zero. However, Malaysia has not accepted it. FAM has prepared an appeal to FIFA and even threatened to sue the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if punished.
It is this rigidity that makes FIFA “check VAR” carefully before making a final decision, to ensure caution and transparency in the face of political and legal pressure. Psychologically, the prolonged process is like a penalty that has been intervened by VAR for too long: tension rises but the nature of the situation does not change.
Fans' conflicting psychology
If the investigation were like a penalty, Vietnamese fans would be as nervous as when they saw Cristiano Ronaldo step up to the 11 meter mark – with a very high scoring rate. On the contrary, Malaysian fans would be as nervous as when they saw goalkeeper Andre Onana preparing to face a penalty with a near-predetermined probability of conceding a goal. Ronaldo is very prestigious when taking 11 meters, and the outcome for Onana in 11 meter situations is usually clear.
Domestic reaction in Malaysia
Despite FAM’s strong words, Malaysia seems to be determined for an unfavorable scenario. Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh stressed that the country’s football must move forward: “Malaysian football is not just about those 7 players. We have many other talents waiting for their chance. Without those 7 players, Arif Aiman or Faisal Falim can still shine. If we continue to despair like this, other players will lose faith.”
Malaysian media such as The Star and Berita Harian called on FAM to “surrender” and focus on reforming the system, instead of pursuing “pointless” lawsuits. Commentators said that prolonging the case would only distort the image of Malaysian football in the eyes of FIFA and regional federations such as the AFC.
Key points of the case
| Mold | Developments |
|---|---|
| 30/10 | FIFA initially planned to announce the ruling; no official statement has been made yet. |
| Garces Profile | Birth certificate was falsified; grandfather was born in Santa Fe (Argentina), not Malaysia. |
| Machuca Profile | Found to have lied; she was born in Roldan, Santa Fe province, with no Malaysian connection. |
| React | FAM prepares to appeal, threatens to sue CAS; media calls for focused reform. |
Selected statistics
- 7 players involved in naturalization fraud allegations.
- Estimated timeline: October 30.
- Distance from Santa Fe (Argentina) to Malaysia: more than 14,000 km.
- At least two cases were named: Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca.
Impact
The current situation is like a penalty that has been delayed too long by VAR: it only adds to the tension for Vietnamese and Malaysian fans, but does not change the violations that have been pointed out. FIFA’s final decision, when announced, will likely be the turning point for the next direction of both FAM and Malaysian football.
