It is expected that on October 30, FIFA will make a final decision on the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). Up to now, the 7 players involved in the illegal naturalization scandal are still silent.
According to Malaysian press, some clubs are considering the possibility of asking the Malaysian Football Federation for damages after 7 naturalized players were banned from playing for a year.
Although there has not been an official lawsuit, FAM is facing the risk of carrying additional heavy financial pressure in the context of football in this country in a serious crisis of confidence.
Accordingly, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, facundo Garces and Gabriel Palmero were accused of failing to prove their Malaysian ancestral origin. This is a mandatory condition in FIFA regulations on naturalization of players.
Along with the suspension, FAM and the group of players involved also had to pay a fine of nearly 2 million Malaysian ringgit (equivalent to 12.5 billion VND).
What made the public even more upset was the silence of both FAM and the players. Many experts believe that this silence may be a legal strategy, but also exposed the lack of responsibility to fans.
Football expert Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli of Malaysia commented that this is an expensive lesson for the entire Malaysian football industry, when the desire for achievements has caused many parties to disregard international rules.
He emphasized: "Football has no shortcomings. Every dishonest act has to pay a price".
