Pekan Ramli also compared the latest controversy to the corruption scandal that plagued Malaysian football some 30 years ago, Bernama reported.
“I consider this a major calamity, just like the 1994 corruption scandal.
“The difference is that back then, it was only an internal crisis, but this time, it has escalated to involve FIFA. Our international image is badly damaged,” he was quoted as saying.
In 1994, Malaysia was rocked by a major football corruption scandal in which many players and coaches were paid to fix matches.
Pekan warned of potential repercussions that could further jeopardise the future of Malaysian football, including the possibility of Malaysia’s victory over Vietnam in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier being revoked.
“In fact, there is the possibility of FAM itself being suspended, as had happened to Indonesia previously.
“That would be a huge blow to the country’s football, as it could affect the league, grassroots development, and the future of young players,” he said.
Yesterday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee said FAM must pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million). Meanwhile, each of the seven players were fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM11,000) and given a 12-month suspension, effective immediately.
The international football body cited breach of Article 22 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which relates to forgery and falsification, in its decision against FAM.
The players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
All seven featured in Malaysia’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, after which FIFA received a complaint regarding the eligibility of several of them.
Separately, national football legend Jamal Nasir Ismail said the controversy clearly raised serious questions about FAM’s integrity as the governing body of the nation’s most popular sport.
Jamal also voiced concern about the risk of FAM being fully suspended, which might result not only in the league coming to a halt, but also in sponsors losing confidence in Malaysian football.
“If FAM is suspended, the league cannot go on. Youth development will stop, grassroots programmes freeze, and sponsors pull out. This will destroy our football ecosystem,” he said.