FAM Heritage Players – Case Chronology & Official Statement

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is once again the focus of the country’s football fans after FIFA’s official decision upheld the punishment against FAM and seven legacy players involved in the document forgery case. Refer to FAM’s official statement here: malaysia-football-association-official-statement

This official FIFA decision not only had a big impact on the Malaysian football world, but also caused various reactions from fans and stakeholders.

Refer to further info below.

Who are the FAM Heritage Players?

FAM heritage players refer to the seven imported players who have national heritage status because they have received recognition and permits to represent the Malaysian national squad.

Among the names of legacy players who have received a lot of attention include Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

These people were recognized for their contribution in strengthening the Harimau Malaya team in several important matches.

However, controversy struck when it was found that there was an issue related to the forgery of documents that violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

FAM’s Official Statement Regarding FIFA Decisions

Following FIFA’s official decision, FAM issued an official statement expressing surprise and disappointment at the decision upheld by FIFA.

However, FAM insisted that they will comply with all decisions and laws set by FIFA to ensure that Malaysian football continues to be on the right track and with integrity.

FAM has also appointed an Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) led by Tun Md Raus Bin Sharif to investigate the case in more detail. This step shows FAM’s commitment to conduct the investigation process in a transparent and fair manner to ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Refer to the following official statement from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM):

FIFA’s official decision against FAM and this heritage player dealt a big blow to the journey of Malaysian football, especially in the mission of bringing the Malayan Tigers to a higher level at the international level.

Apart from the financial aspects, the issue of the suspension of imported players with heritage status has a direct impact on the strength of the national squad.

Refer to FAM’s official statement here: malaysia-football-association-official-statement

FIFA’s Official Decision Regarding the FAM Legacy Player Case

In an official statement published by FIFA, the International Football Federation’s Appeal Committee has rejected the appeal submitted by FAM and the seven heritage players.

This official FIFA decision upholds the fine imposed on FAM of CHF350,000 (about RM1.8 million) and also the 12-month suspension of the seven players in question from all football-related activities.

Each player was also fined CHF2,000 (around RM11,000). FIFA insists that this punishment was made after conducting a fair and thorough hearing process in accordance with the governing body’s disciplinary articles.

Penalty Imposed

The punishments imposed on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven Malaysian heritage players are as follows:

1. Fine to FAM
FAM was ordered to pay a fine of CHF350,000, equivalent to approximately RM1.8 million, by the International Football Federation (FIFA).

2. Fines to Every Legacy Player
Each of the seven legacy players was fined CHF2,000 (approximately RM11,000) each by FIFA for being involved in the same document forgery case.

3. Suspension of Football Activities
FIFA’s decision upheld the 12-month suspension of the seven players from any football-related activity, including official matches and any FIFA-recognised activity.

Pemain yang terlibat ialah Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, dan Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

List of 7 FIFA Suspended Legacy Players

The list of names of seven FAM legacy players who were involved in the document forgery issue and were punished by FIFA are:

1. Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
2. Facundo Tomás Garcés
3. Rodrigo Julian Holgado
4. Imanol Javier Machuca
5. João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo
6. Jon Irazábal Iraurgui
7. Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano

These seven players were found to have violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code related to the forgery and fraud of documents in the registration process to represent the Malaysian national squad.

They were suspended for 12 months from all football activities recognized by FIFA and fined CHF2,000 (approximately RM11,000) each. FAM was fined CHF350,000 (around RM1.8 million) by the governing body of world football.

FIFA Case Chronology & 7 Legacy Players

The chronology of FIFA Cases & 7 Malaysian Heritage Players is as follows:

1. March-June 2025
FAM submitted the qualification documents of seven heritage players to FIFA stating that they have a Malaysian lineage through their grandparents who were born in Malaysia. Documents including the birth certificate of the ancestor which is a condition of verification of this qualification.

2. July-September 2025
FIFA conducted an investigation and found that there was a discrepancy between the original birth certificate obtained from the registry office in Argentina, Spain and Brazil and the document sent by FAM. The original birthplace of the player’s ancestors has been changed to a location in Malaysia, which is considered a fake document.

3. September 2025
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against FAM and seven legacy players for allegedly falsifying documents in accordance with Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FAM and players are given time to defend themselves.

4. October 2025
A full report by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was released, containing the evidence and findings of the investigation. FIFA insists there have been serious breaches and that documents have been altered to create false family ties.

5. November 2025
The FIFA Appeals Committee rejected the appeal of FAM and the players, upholding the fine of CHF350,000 (around RM1.8 million) to FAM and the fine of CHF2,000 to each player as well as the player’s 12-month suspension from football activities.

6. Follow-up Actions
FAM accepted the decision and is examining a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Internal investigations and remedial measures are also being carried out to ensure the integrity of national football.

Appeals Process and Next Steps

FAM has accepted this decision and is entitled to obtain a copy of the official decision along with written reasons. After that, they have 21 days to submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if they want to continue the dispute.

All of these punishments are the result of the actions of the FIFA Appeals Committee which rejected the appeals made by FAM and the heritage players and confirmed the initial decision involving fines and player suspensions for the offense of forging documents during the process of registering imported players to represent Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualification competition.

Frequently Asked Questions – Case of FAM Heritage Players

What does FAM heritage player mean?

FAM heritage players refer to the seven imported players who have national heritage status because they have received recognition and permits to represent the Malaysian national squad.

What exactly is the case involving this legacy player?

The seven players were charged with falsifying documents in violation of Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

What punishment does FIFA impose on FAM and players?

FIFA imposed a fine of CHF350,000 (about RM1.8 million) on FAM and a fine of CHF2,000 (about RM11,000) on each player. In addition, all seven players were suspended for 12 months from any FIFA-recognized football activity.

Who are the seven legacy players involved?

Mereka ialah Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, dan Héctor Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

What is FAM’s action after FIFA’s decision?

FAM accepted the decision but will submit an official appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is conducting an internal investigation and improving document management procedures to ensure the integrity of national football.

What is the root cause of this document issue?

FAM explained that there was a technical error in the document transmission process by their administrative staff, by using an unofficial document from a third party (agent), instead of an official document from the National Registration Department (JPN).

Are other players also affected?

Only seven of these players were charged for being directly involved in the document forgery issue.