Hamidin heads to Zurich as FAM appeals Fifa sanctions, seven players suspended

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has begun its appeal process following sanctions imposed by Fifa for allegedly submitting falsified documents to classify seven foreign players as Malaysians.

The Star Online reported that FAM honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, who is also a Fifa Council member, is expected to travel to Fifa’s headquarters in Zurich today to pursue the appeal.

On Friday, Fifa fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.85 million) and suspended seven players for 12 months from all football-related activities.

The players — Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Figueiredo, Irazábal, and Hevel — were also fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,570) each.

Fifa said the sanctions were linked to falsified documents submitted during the eligibility process for Malaysia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, 2025.

Clubs including Deportivo Alaves (Garcés), America de Cali (Holgado), Unionistas de Salamanca (Palmero) and Velez Sarsfield (Machuca) have confirmed their players will remain barred until the outcome of the appeal is announced.

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