'Ask police, FIFA' - AFC says it is no longer involved in seven heritage players controversy

THE Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has stressed that it is no longer involved in the controversy surrounding the seven Malaysian 'heritage' players and has advised any parties seeking further information to refer the matter to the police and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

AFC Secretary-General Windsor Paul John said any follow-up action regarding the case is now outside the confederation's jurisdiction as the matter had already been concluded at AFC level.

"The case involving the seven heritage players is related to FIFA. We are not involved. We have already made our decision at the AFC level and the matter is settled.

"As for the police report, ask the police. For the FIFA case, ask FIFA," he said when asked to comment on the latest developments surrounding the issue.

The controversy involving the seven heritage players continues to generate debate, with many still awaiting further developments from investigations aimed at identifying those responsible. There have also been calls for the players' citizenship to be revoked.

In September last year, FIFA found evidence of document alteration or forgery related to the eligibility of seven Malaysian heritage players.

As a result, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.7 million), while each player was fined CHF2,000 (approximately RM9,800) and handed a 12-month suspension.

Although FAM filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October, last year, the court rejected the appeal in March and upheld FIFA's sanctions.

Despite their suspensions, the players are still allowed to train and remain with their respective clubs. However, they are barred from participating in any official matches during the suspension period.

AFC had also sanctioned FAM and the Malaysian national team, Malaysia national football team, for fielding ineligible players in two matches during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers by annulling those victories.