KUALA LUMPUR — The Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) has convened for the first time to begin its inquiry into the Fifa-related case involving seven national football team players.
Former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, who chairs the committee, said the investigation and report will be completed within six weeks, as reported by The Star.
“The committee will carry out their duties independently and with full commitment to ensure transparency and fairness in their findings,” Raus said in a statement.
He said the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) appointed him as chairman on October 7 and tasked the IIC with reviewing the case and submitting recommendations for further action.
The committee includes former Court of Appeal judge Datuk Seri Kamaludin Md Said, former Mampu director-general Datuk Seri Yusof Ismail, and lawyer Datuk Thavalingam C. Thavarajah, who will serve as secretary.
Raus said Messrs. Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak, Advocates & Solicitors, will handle administrative and secretariat functions to avoid any conflict of interest.
Acting FAM president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi confirmed the appointment of the legal firm.
He also said that all four committee members will serve without remuneration.
In September, FAM and seven heritage players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel — were penalised by Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee for violating Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code related to document falsification.
Fifa said FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility for the third-round match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10.
FAM was fined CHF350,000 (about RM1.8 million), while each player received a CHF2,000 (about RM10,560) fine and a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities, effective from the date of notification.
FAM later explained that a technical error in the submission process had occurred, caused by an administrative staff member.
On October 15, FAM filed an official appeal with Fifa regarding the decision.
FAM also said it may escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if the appeal does not succeed.
