Speaking to the Malaysian press, Mr. Pekan Ramli expressed skepticism that the players know their roots but are silent.
He said: "Do they realize the consequences? They did not think that things could go this far or be promised something without ignoring the risks? If FIFA really has evidence that their grandparents are not Malaysian, it is the players who must take responsibility. If they know and remain silent, this is the consequences they have to endure.
The incident resulted in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) being fined, while 7 players including Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, facundo Garces and Gabriel Palmero were suspended for a year. FIFA determined that the naturalization documents of this group of players did not match the original documents, especially the origin of the ancestors.
Although FAM affirmed that it had followed the correct procedures and was filing an appeal, many sports lawyers assessed the possibility of success as very low. Mr. Ramli emphasized: "Let this be a reminder that in football, taking shortcuts always has to pay the price."
Former FAM Secretary General Saifuddin Abu only said that FIFA was "hiding" in the incident: "They will not open an investigation if the complaint is unfounded. Don't violate the award, don't give your opponent a chance to stab you in the back". However, he still hopes "always have a hundred chances, that is luck".
