Fam Downplays Nepal S Complaint To Fifa Report

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The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has downplayed Nepal’s complaint to the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) over Malaysia’s alleged use of ineligible players in an Asian Cup qualifier, saying the matter is already covered under an ongoing appeal process.
According to the New Straits Times, acting FAM president Yusoff Mahadi said the association is aware of Nepal’s protest but sees no reason to panic, as it concerns the same players raised earlier by Vietnam.
“It’s the same situation as Vietnam. We don’t have to think too much about Nepal’s complaint. What matters now is the outcome of our appeal,” Yusoff (above), who is attending the AFC Annual Football Awards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, told the English daily.
“Whatever Nepal is raising is related to the same seven players. So, whether we win or lose our appeal, the effect will be the same for both matches, against Vietnam and Nepal. We just have to wait for the decision,” he said.
ADSYusoff, however, reportedly said FAM is not taking the issue lightly but that the association’s focus remains on overturning Fifa’s disciplinary ruling.
“We’re not ignoring the complaint, but our full attention is on the appeal. Let’s wait for the decision - that’s what’s important now.
“If we win the appeal, then the issue in both matches automatically resolves itself,” he added.
Vietnam’s VNExpress previously reported that the All Nepal Football Association (Anfa) had lodged an official request with Fifa to overturn their 2-0 defeat to Malaysia in March. Anfa argued that midfielder Hector Hevel, who scored in that match, was later found ineligible.
Sanctions and fines
The complaint followed Fifa’s Sept 26 decision to sanction FAM for allegedly submitting falsified documentation for seven naturalised players during the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The players - Hevel, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal, and Gabriel Palmero - were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football activities for 12 months.
FAM was also fined 350,000 Swiss francs. So far, Fifa has only voided Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in June, but Nepal’s protest could lead to further repercussions if Fifa decides to extend the sanctions.
Under tournament regulations, Malaysia could forfeit both matches 3-0 if the appeal fails.
However, FAM has maintained that the issue stemmed from a “technical error” rather than deliberate falsification.
The appeal outcome, expected soon, will determine whether Malaysia’s victories against Vietnam and Nepal stand or are officially overturned. - Mkini

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