Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim expressed skepticism that FIFA will reverse sanctions on Malaysia's football association and seven naturalized players for eligibility violations. Speaking at a press conference on October 25, 2025, in Petaling Jaya, he emphasized shared responsibility across FAM and questioned the origins of the complaint. The penalties include one-year player suspensions and a fine of about RM1.8 million on FAM.
Johor Darul Ta’zim owner and former Football Association of Malaysia president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim addressed the ongoing FIFA controversy over seven heritage players during a press conference on Saturday in Petaling Jaya. He stated that he does not expect FIFA to overturn its ruling, though penalties might be lightened.
“I don’t think FIFA will change its decision. At most, the penalty might be lightened. They could impose fines, deduct points from Harimau Malaya, or suspend the players involved,” Tunku Ismail said, as reported by multiple outlets including New Straits Times and The Star.
The sanctions stem from FIFA's finding that documents submitted for player eligibility contained false information, leading to one-year suspensions for Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Facundo Garcés, and Gabriel Palmero. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, approximately RM1.8 million, with additional fines on the players bringing the total near RM2 million.
Tunku Ismail stressed collective accountability at FAM, disagreeing with the suspension of general secretary Noor Azman Rahman. “I don’t agree with Noor Azman’s suspension. In fact, many people were involved in signing these players. To me, everyone should take responsibility, including the (Harimau Malaya squad) CEO and those in management,” he said.
He noted that agents presented a list of 27 or 28 players last year, with only seven clearing checks by FAM and the national registration department, which he approved without reviewing every detail. Tunku Ismail defended the players' status, calling FIFA's action 'strange' since the Asian Football Confederation confirmed no complaint came from the Vietnam Football Federation.
“To say the players forged isn’t true at all. They are Malaysians, and that’s in our constitution,” he added, attributing any issues to administrative errors rather than forgery. FAM is appealing the decision, with a ruling expected by October 30, and plans to continue legal efforts regardless of the outcome.