Fifa Appeal Committee instructs secretariat to examine role of FAM sec-gen, agents in doctored documentation saga; criminal authorities in Malaysia should be notified over forgery

Fifa's Appeal Committee has instructed the world body's secretariat to take immediate steps to launch a formal investigation into the internal operations of the FA of Malaysia (FAM). In its full report published on Fifa's website today, the committee said that this probe aimed to identify the individuals responsible for the falsification of documents; assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms; and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials.

The committee had dismissed FAM’s appeal on the matter on Nov 3.

"As an initial focus, the investigation must examine the role of the FAM Secretary General (Datuk Noor Azman Rahman) and that of two licensed Fifa agents named in these proceedings: Nicolás Puppo and Frederico Moraes. Their involvement raises serious concerns that merit thorough scrutiny," the report read.

Noor Azman has been suspended by FAM on Oct 17 pending investigations into the fiasco. However, Noor Azman had attended the signing ceremony of the Asean-Fifa Memorandum of Understanding on Oct 26, during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Present at the event were Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

"In parallel, the Committee instructs the Secretariat to initiate a separate investigation into the fielding of ineligible players in the context of the three friendly matches cited in these proceedings. This inquiry shall establish the circumstances under which some of the players participated and whether further sanctions are appropriate," the report read.

"Finally, given the nature and gravity of the offences — particularly the forgery of official documents — the Committee directs the Secretariat to adopt the necessary steps to notify the competent criminal authorities in Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Forgery constitutes a criminal offence in these jurisdictions, and it is imperative that the relevant authorities are informed so that appropriate criminal investigations and proceedings may be pursued."

FAM had appealed against Fifa's decision in September after it was fined CHF 350,000 while the seven players were fined CHF 2,000 and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities.

The seven players are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano. The committee highlighted that the offences examined in these proceedings strike at the very foundation of football’s integrity.

"As emphasised in the Committee’s reasoning, the eligibility of players to represent national teams is not only a necessary procedural requirement but also a fundamental principle that safeguards the credibility of international competitions and the trust of stakeholders worldwide," the committee said.

"Any attempt to forge documentation with the purpose of deceiving governing bodies and circumventing applicable regulations constitutes a grave breach of this principle. Such conduct undermines the fairness of the game, erodes public confidence, and cannot, under any circumstances, be tolerated," it added.