MACC said preliminary checks found that the issue appeared to be related to technical procedures beyond its scope.
“Furthermore, no offences under the MACC Act 2009 have been identified at this stage,” it said in a statement today.
In light of these findings, it said it would not be engaging with FIFA and would instead leave the matter entirely to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to resolve directly with the international football body.
“MACC urges all parties to allow the resolution process to take its course and to refrain from making any speculation that may disrupt discussions between the parties involved,” it said.
Yesterday, MACC chief Azam Baki said the anti-graft agency would reach out to FIFA for more information on the allegations against FAM and its seven players to determine whether there were elements of corruption.
On Friday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee said FAM must pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million). The seven players were also fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM11,000) each and given a 12-month suspension, effective immediately.
FIFA cited breach of Article 22 of its 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 acting president Yusoff Mahadi said the association would appeal the decision by FIFA, stressing that all procedures and guidelines had been followed in managing the players’ documentation.
He also said FIFA had previously reviewed and officially cleared the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia.
FAM honorary president Hamidin Amin arrived at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, today for a meeting with the international football body.