The Regent of Johor and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) club chairman, Tunku Ismail Idris, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent FIFA sanctions, suggesting that there might be external influences undermining Malaysian football. Links web site 789bets
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on the afternoon of September 27, Tunku Ismail questioned whether outside forces had interfered with FIFA’s decision, which led to penalties against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven mixed-heritage players.
Previously, FAM stated that it had completed all five steps in FIFA’s procedure to verify the eligibility of the seven players, who qualify to represent Malaysia through their lineage. The process involved verifying heritage, confirming citizenship rights, obtaining Malaysian passports, submitting documentation to FIFA, and awaiting FIFA’s approval.
In a photo dated March 20, 2025, Tunku Ismail (left) is seen discussing with Malaysia’s head coach Peter Cklamovski ahead of a team training session in Johor. (Image: FAM)
“FIFA had initially approved these players to compete, so why was the decision reversed now? What caused this sudden change? Could an external entity have influenced FIFA’s ruling?” Tunku Ismail’s statement read. “Another concern is that the sanctions were imposed without clear explanations.”
The former FAM president expressed disappointment that FIFA announced the sanctions publicly before the appeal process had concluded. He hopes that FAM will lodge its appeal promptly.
Additionally, the JDT chairman shared a letter from Malaysia’s National Registration Department (NRD) confirming the seven players’ eligibility for citizenship. “We affirm that all procedures have been legally vetted, and citizenship certificates were issued in full compliance with Malaysian law and the constitution,” NRD stated on September 19.
Tunku Ismail also hinted at a suspicious meeting in New York, implying that certain interests may have met with FIFA officials there to influence the verdict.
“We are neither afraid nor will we bow to those anxious about the rise of the Malaysian national team,” he declared. “We will continue to fight. Let us show courage because it is the right thing to do.”
Ismail spearheaded the initiative to recruit mixed-heritage players to swiftly strengthen the national squad. Born in 1984, he is one of the most influential figures in Malaysian football, serving as Johor’s Regent and heir apparent, as well as JDT’s chairman—the club that has dominated Malaysian football with 11 consecutive league titles from 2014 to 2025.
JDT currently has three players involved in the sanctions: Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, and Joao Figueireido. The other four players are Gabriel Palmero (Unionistas, Spain), Facundo Garces (Deportivo Alaves, Spain), Rodrigo Holgado (America de Cali, Colombia), and Imanol Machuca (Velez Sarsfield, Argentina). Web site 789bet.com
These players have been banned from all football activities for 12 months starting September 26 and fined 2,000 Swiss francs each (approximately 65 million VND). Meanwhile, FAM faces a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs.
Malaysia striker Rodrigo Holgado pictured during a Bukit Jalil training session on June 9, 2025, one day before a match against Vietnam in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. (Photo: Hai Tu)
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has forwarded the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for review. FAM confirmed it will file an appeal with FIFA’s Appeal Committee. If unsatisfied with the outcome, FAM may escalate the matter to the CAS. Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has stated that it will only make a ruling once the dispute between FIFA and FAM is resolved.
Potential sanctions for Malaysia’s national team include disqualification from the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers or forfeiture of previously won matches against Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0).
Alongside Tunku Ismail, Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, also voiced her frustration with FIFA’s sanctions. “Like thousands of Malaysian fans, I am deeply saddened and angered by FIFA’s decision,” she wrote on Instagram. “Let’s not rush; we must allow the appeal process to conclude before taking further action.”
Minister Yeoh pledged to protect the rights and welfare of all Malaysian athletes, regardless of their heritage. She urged FAM and related parties to proceed with integrity and transparency to safeguard the nation’s reputation.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) stated it will engage with FIFA, FAM, and the seven players involved to determine if the case impacts public interest. Although the sanctions fall within football governance, MACC may investigate FAM if any criminal wrongdoing is suspected.