KUALA LUMPUR - The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has appointed former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif as the chairman of an independent committee to investigate documentation issues involving seven Harimau Malaya heritage players who were sanctioned by world governing body FIFA.
In a statement today, FAM reiterated its stand that no individual from within the association would be involved in the investigation to ensure that the process is carried out fairly, transparently and professionally.
It said Md Raus has also been given the mandate to select the members of the independent committee.
"Based on his credibility and extensive experience, FAM hopes that Md Raus, together with the committee members he will appoint, will be able to conduct a thorough investigation,” the statement read.
Last month, FIFA handed 12-month suspensions and fines of CHF2,000 (RM10,560) each to seven heritage players - Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
The sanctions were imposed by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee after the players were found to have breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) relating to document falsification, with FAM itself fined CHF350,000 (RM1.8 million).
The outcome of FAM’s appeal against the fines and suspensions is expected to be known on Oct 30. - BERNAMA