Hannah Yeoh ‘saddened and angry’ over Fifa sanctions on Malaysian players, urges FAM to prioritise appeal

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has called on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to prioritise its appeal to Fifa following sanctions imposed on seven naturalised national players.

Yeoh said the suspensions affected not only the individuals involved but also the broader national team, according to the New Straits Times.

Fifa sanctioned the players for allegedly using forged documents during an Asia Cup qualifier against Vietnam earlier this year.

“The current priority is for FAM to complete the legal and international appeal process with Fifa until it is fully concluded. All parties must ensure this process is carried out with full integrity and transparency for the sake of Malaysia’s good name,” Yeoh said in a statement today.

The players sanctioned by Fifa are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Tomas Garces, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

Fifa fined each player 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,800) and suspended them from all football-related activities for 12 months, while FAM received a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs.

Yeoh expressed solidarity with Malaysian football fans and urged patience while the appeal process unfolds.

“Just like the many thousands of Harimau Malaya fans out there, I, too, am saddened and angry reading about Fifa’s decision. Let’s not jump the gun, allow the appeal process to be completed and then we take it from there,” she said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to athlete welfare, stating, “I remain committed to safeguard the rights and welfare of every Malaysian athlete, and it matters not if your name is Azizulhasni Awang, Pearly Tan, M. Thinaah, Pandelela Rinong, Gabriel or Rodrigo.”

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