Global footballers’ union FIFPro says seven players embroiled in a Malaysian national team fitness scandal are themselves victims and that their 12-month bans are «grossly disproportionate».
The Malaysian federation, FAM, has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports after FIFA banned the players and fined FAM $440,000 in September for submitting false documents proving the foreign-born players had Malaysian descent.
FIFA launched an investigation after receiving a complaint following Malaysia’s 4-0 win against Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in June, in which two of the seven players scored.
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The investigation found that none of Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca or Joao Brandao Figueiredo had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, a requirement for national team selection.
The FIFPro on Monday gave its full support to the seven and said they were not to blame.
“The sanctions imposed on them – a 12-month ban on all football-related activities – are grossly disproportionate given the specific circumstances of the case,” the report said in a statement.
“It is clear that the players in this case are in fact victims.”
It added: “All steps were handled by institutions beyond their control, yet they now face suspension from their clubs and the serious consequences that result, through no fault of their own.”
The FAM has denied any intentional wrongdoing.
Published on December 2, 2025
