KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari has called on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to take lessons from the controversy surrounding seven heritage players and to prioritise the growth of grassroots football.
Taufiq said the case involving players who used invalid documents should serve as a reminder to all parties, but stressed that it should not hinder efforts to develop football in the country.
“The legal process has taken place and we accept the decision that has been made. We will now examine what follow-up steps need to be taken,” he said.
“At the same time, we will reflect on the lessons from this case and assess the next steps at the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS). What is certain is that the development of football in the country, especially at the grassroots level, must continue.”
The minister made the remarks during the Iftar Ramadan Madani programme at Masjid Al-Ikhlas in Pulau Sepom, Tikam Batu, last night.
His comments followed the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upholding FIFA sanctions on seven Malaysian heritage players for submitting invalid documents to register for the national team.
Taufiq added that the ministry would continue collaborating with strategic partners, including FAM, to ensure Malaysia’s football development agenda remains on track.
“The spirit of football must continue. Programmes such as the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) will be maintained and strengthened, and we will continue to work closely with our strategic partner, FAM,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the National Sports Council of Malaysia (NSC) in supporting the NFDP to cultivate young talent from the grassroots level, strengthening the national football pipeline.
CAS had previously upheld a 12-month suspension for the seven heritage players involved in using invalid documents to represent Malaysia internationally.
The players are Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Felipe, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel. – March 9, 2026