SHAH ALAM – FIFA has uncovered evidence showing the use of falsified documents in the registration of seven Harimau Malaya heritage players, revealing discrepancies in their ancestral records submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
The findings were detailed in an official report signed by FIFA Disciplinary Committee Deputy Chairperson Jorge Palacio, who stated that the original birth certificates obtained by FIFA differed significantly from those provided by FAM.
“The Committee wishes to emphasise that the original birth certificates show notable differences compared to the documents that were submitted,” said Palacio in the ruling.
One of the most striking cases involved Netherlands-born midfielder Hector Hevel, whose FAM-submitted document claimed his grandfather was born in Melaka.
However, the original certificate confirmed that his actual birthplace was The Hague, Netherlands.
A similar inconsistency was discovered in the case of Jon Irazabal.
While FAM’s documentation stated that his grandfather was from Kuching, Sarawak, the genuine record verified that he was born in Villa de Guernica, Spain.
FIFA’s investigation also revealed that the family of Gabriel Palmero originated from Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain, while Facundo Garces’s grandfather was from Santa Fe de la Cruz, Argentina.
Rodrigo Holgado’s grandfather was born in Buenos Aires, and Imanol Javier Machuca’s grandmother came from Roldan.
Meanwhile, Joao Figueiredo’s grandfather was identified as a native of Abre Campo, Brazil.
These discoveries amounted to a breach of Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code relating to forgery and the use of falsified documents, resulting in a fine of RM1.8 million imposed on FAM.
Each of the seven players was also fined RM11,000 and suspended for 12 months from all football activities.
According to FIFA’s report, Malaysia’s National Registration Department (JPN) confirmed that it had never received original birth certificates to verify the players’ heritage.
Instead, it issued copies based on secondary data and foreign documentation.
“This admission indicates that the Malaysian government’s verification process may not have been based on original documents, thus raising questions about the thoroughness of FAM’s verification procedures,” the report stated.
The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has hinted that Malaysia’s match results might be nullified, with victory points awarded to their opponents if FIFA’s sanctions remain.
FAM now has 30 days to settle the fine and three days to submit an appeal to FIFA’s Appeals Committee.