Fifa not likely to remove sanctions, says TMJ

 

The Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, said the international body may impose a reduced penalty over the heritage players issue.

The Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, does not expect Fifa to overturn its sanctions imposed on the Football Association of Malaysia and seven heritage national players.

The international federation might impose reduced sanctions instead, he said.

“I think they will fine FAM. Maybe (the) national team as well or deduction of points and ban the players. How long the ban will we, we don’t know,” he said at a media conference here today.

No matter what decision is announced on Oct 30, FAM and its lawyers must carry on with the appeal process and bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if needed, he said.

He said Fifa’s investigation was spurred by someone from Vietnam, and not from the Vietnam Football Federation.

“So, we do not know. It’s not the VFF secretary-general, it’s not the president or whatnot. That was what I was told,” Tunku Ismail told reporters.

“It’s quite funny to be honest that Fifa would even entertain anybody because I bet you there are a lot of complaints out there by whoever. But for Fifa to even entertain and go to that extent, I feel a bit funny to be honest with you,” Tunku Mahkota Ismail said.

Last month, Fifa’s disciplinary committee imposed sanctions on FAM and seven heritage players – Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.

FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (about RM1.8 million), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs (about RM10,560) and suspended for 12 months from any footballing activity. - FMT