Post by : Raman

PETALING JAYA: Indonesia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Erick Thohir, has firmly denied claims that the country interfered in FIFA’s sanctions imposed on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalised Malaysian players.

Erick Thohir, who also serves as the chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia, stated that Indonesia focuses on developing its own athletes and sports programs while respecting the policies of other nations.

“We do not meddle in the politics or policies of other countries,” Erick told online news portal Detik20. “Our priority is to advance sports in Indonesia. We want our football to grow, badminton to excel, and pencak silat to gain international recognition. While we aim to improve our athletes, we do not interfere in other countries’ matters.”

The sanctions by FIFA arose after Malaysia fielded seven naturalised players – Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano – during the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam on June 10. This match marked Malaysia’s first win against Vietnam in 11 years.

Following a complaint about the eligibility of these players, FIFA’s disciplinary committee found FAM in violation of Article 22, which concerns forgery and falsification.

FAM Secretary-General Noor Azman Rahman described the incident as a “technical error” by the association’s staff. Acting President Yusoff Mahadi emphasized that FAM followed proper procedures and confirmed the governing body will appeal FIFA’s ruling.

The situation has drawn attention to football governance in Southeast Asia, highlighting the importance of compliance with international regulations while maintaining national sporting growth.

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