More Individuals May Be Investigated in FIFA Probe Over Player Document Scandal
PETALING JAYA — The controversy surrounding the falsification of documents involving seven football players appears far from over despite the recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on the appeal filed in the case.
The next steps now depend largely on the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), which has the authority to expand its investigation to include other parties potentially connected to the matter.
Should the global football governing body decide to scrutinise the roles played by agents and intermediaries involved in managing the players’ documentation, additional individuals could be drawn into the investigation.
Sources familiar with the case indicated that FIFA is currently reviewing several names mentioned in the motivated decision previously released, particularly those associated with documentation handling and the management of player eligibility.
In its 64-page report issued in November last year, the FIFA Appeals Committee recommended that a formal investigation be conducted into several agents believed to have facilitated communication and the preparation of documents between the players and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said FIFA holds the authority to pursue further investigations if any individuals linked to the case are found to have violated its regulations.
He noted that several names had already been cited in the earlier motivated decision and could potentially face further scrutiny depending on the outcome of additional investigations.
“If we look at the motivated decision released earlier, several individuals were mentioned and they may be subject to further investigation,” he said.
Windsor added that FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has the jurisdiction to continue its probe until it determines that the case has been fully resolved.
He also emphasised that FIFA, as the governing authority of world football, operates under strict regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance among its member associations.
“Player agents are registered under FIFA. When misconduct or rule violations occur, FIFA has the authority to investigate and take appropriate action,” he explained.
Previously, CAS dismissed the appeal submitted by FAM and the seven players involved, thereby upholding the sanctions imposed earlier by FIFA.
The players named in the case are Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces and Rodrigo Holgado.
As a result, FAM remains subject to a fine of CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million), while the seven players continue to serve a 12-month suspension from football activities.
In a related development, FAM may also face potential action from the Asian Football Confederation, particularly in relation to the national team Harimau Malaya’s participation in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign.
-wilayah.com.my
