Safee said many were quick to denounce the country’s football administrators without even waiting for the full details.

“Even those accused of murder are provided a chance to defend themselves.

“Yet (in this case) people are playing judge and jury even before we can determine if any wrongdoing occurred,” he said in a social media post.

He said that when the country is accused of wrongdoing, people should come together and not point fingers at anyone.

The public should also assess the matter objectively and not emotionally, he added.

Safee’s post was reposted by the Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who earlier today criticised FIFA’s decision. He also agreed with Safee.

Yesterday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee said the Football Association of Malaysia (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.

Earlier this evening, Tunku Ismail questioned FIFA on why it decided to fine FAM and suspend the seven despite having previously cleared the players.

He also said FAM has been compliant with the processes and has cooperated with both the global football body and the Malaysian government.