On the afternoon of January 22, the Director of the Trade Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) - Mr. Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said that functional agencies have identified two individuals directly involved in the incident. Police have received 45 reports and taken statements from 43 people during the investigation.
Initial verification results showed that the granting of citizenship to 7 players was carried out in accordance with administrative procedures. However, the expanded investigation discovered many signs of fraud in the dossier sent to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), especially documents proving the origin and conditions for naturalization.
PDRM said that the case is being investigated under Article 420 of the Malaysian Penal Code on acts of fraud and fraud. Although the two main suspects have been identified, the identities of the subjects have not been announced and the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) has not yet been concluded to have violated.
Previously, the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) pointed out many irregularities in the naturalization process but could not determine specific responsibilities. With the new conclusion from PDRM, Malaysia is said to have taken another step in clarifying violations, while creating a basis for FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to consider further handling measures.
