The probe will also assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials.
“As an initial focus, the investigation must examine the role of FAM general-secretary Noor Azman Rahman and that of two licensed Fifa agents named in these proceedings: Nicolas Puppo and Frederico Moraes,” said Fifa’s appeal committee.
“Their involvement raises serious concerns that merit thorough scrutiny.”
Fifa’s appeal committee has instructed the secretariat of Fifa’s disciplinary committee to conduct the probe.
Earlier this month, Fifa’s appeal committee upheld the sanctions on FAM and the seven naturalised Malaysian footballers who were penalised by Fifa in September after the world football body said FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility before Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (about RM1.8 million) while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs (about RM10,560) and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities.
The seven players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
Fifa’s appeal committee dismissed FAM’s appeal on the matter on Nov 3, with the written decision made available today.
The controversy also saw FAM suspending Noor Azman as general-secretary.
Concern about integrity of Asian Cup qualifiers
The committee also instructed the secretariat to initiate a separate investigation into the fielding of ineligible players in three friendly matches.
“This inquiry shall establish the circumstances under which some of the players participated and whether further sanctions are appropriate,” it said.
The friendly matches were against Cape Verde on May 29, Singapore on Sept 4, and Palestine on Sept 8.
Malaysia and Cape Verde played out a 1-1 draw while Malaysia beat Singapore 2-1 and Palestine 1-0. Figueiredo scored in both victories.
Fifa’s appeal committee also pointed out that the players had played and scored for Malaysia in their ongoing 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
“It is to be noted that today, Malaysia sits atop their group standings at the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers,” it said.
“… serious questions as to the integrity of that competition remain in light of the current proceedings.”