Malaysian Prime Minister warns of penalties against FAM over the case of 7 naturalized players.
Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that he would not cover up if FAM were found guilty in the case of the seven naturalized players; he respects FIFA but the decision will be based on the law and a full investigation report.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned of severe penalties if the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is found guilty in the case involving seven naturalized players, emphasizing that the Malaysian government will not cover up wrongdoing and that all decisions must be based on legal process and full investigative reports.
A firm statement and principles for handling the matter.
In his latest message, the head of government affirmed that there would be no cover-up for FAM if the organization is proven to have committed wrongdoing after an investigation. Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia respects FIFA's reputation, but will not make decisions based solely on FIFA's investigation. His stance is consistent with that of the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh: not rushing to conclusions without a full and detailed assessment report, while ensuring FAM has the opportunity to defend itself against the accusations.
Speaking on Stadium Astro, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for strict adherence to legal procedures. He assessed the actions of the Ministry of Youth and Sports as clear and in line with current regulations, laying the groundwork for a transparent review process.
The focus of the investigation: the naturalization process of 7 players.
The case revolves around allegations that the naturalization process for seven players was not carried out properly. The list includes:
- Hector Hevel
- Gabriel Palmero
- Facundo Garces
- Rodrigo Holgado
- Jon Irazabal
- Joao Figueiredo
- Imanol Machuca
According to the information released, the investigation into potential irregularities related to FAM is being conducted urgently. Authorities will await a full report before making any judgments.
Viewpoint on FIFA and the demand for the rule of law
Anwar Ibrahim stated his respect for FIFA, but emphasized the principle of handling matters based on the national legal framework and internal investigation reports. The focus is on ensuring fairness for all parties involved, including FAM's right to self-defense, while maintaining governance standards in Malaysian football.
The threat of punishment and the message of discipline.
The Prime Minister stated that the Malaysian Cabinet had discussed the matter and reached a consensus on how to handle it. If FAM is found guilty after the investigation, a severe penalty is unavoidable. He acknowledged that this would be a difficult decision for FAM, but necessary to ensure discipline if wrongdoing is established.
The strong message from the highest levels shows that the government's priority is protecting the integrity of processes and affirming that there will be no exceptions in dealing with wrongdoing — especially in areas subject to public scrutiny such as football.
