FIFPro has boldly entered into the growing scandal over the eligibility case involving Malaysia and it has stated that the seven foreign-born players who have been suspended by FIFA are victims of institutional failure and not criminals who should be severely punished.
This is in accordance with the FIFA ruling in September which banned the athletes to one year of football worldwide and fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) large sum of money. The disciplinary measure was as a result of a complaint following the 4-0 victory of Malaysia in June in the Asian Cup qualifier over Vietnam. Two of the prohibited players later declared ineligible had scored in the game.
The investigation carried out by FIFA eventually found all the seven to lack the necessary lineage that would qualify them to represent Malaysia and exposed poor or falsified documentation presented by FAM. A full competitive freeze is imposed on the affected players, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Brandao Figueiredo that may well place their careers at the club and future in jeopardy.
FIFPro was also very concerned and indicated that it is not fair to punish those who based their practices and belief on the official information and procedures. The union says that any eligibility, document and verification should be carried out by the governing bodies, and not by the footballers, who usually do not deal with administrative vetting.
The case is now asking broader questions on how the Asian football is run with naturalization tactics becoming very prevalent as countries attempt to build stronger teams. Critics claim that there must be a very tight rein on the rope, but penalties should be commensurate to the fault of the institution and innocence of the players.
Public attitude of FIFPro poses more scrutinies on the disciplinary procedures of FIFA. With proceedings moving to CAS, the case can redefine the manner in which the issue of eligibility can be done world over especially when the fundamental factors are administrative mistakes rather than player malpractices.
