In a brief statement today, the governing body of football associations in the region said it acknowledges the seriousness of the matter and the possible repercussions on its competitions.

“The AFC will carefully review the situation in line with the applicable regulations once the FIFA proceedings have been fully concluded,” it said.

It also said it would not comment on completed or ongoing investigations or proceedings.

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. FAM is set to appeal the decision.