President of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir has strongly denied allegations that Indonesia played a role in FIFA’s decision to sanction the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and suspend seven of Harimau Malaya’s naturalised players.
FIFA announced last week that FAM had breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code related to forgery and falsification of documents. The ruling resulted in a CHF 350,000 (RM1.8 million) fine for FAM and 12-month suspensions for seven Malaysian heritage players: Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Imanol Machuca, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, and Rodrigo Holgado. Each player was also fined CHF 2,000 (RM10,600).
Following FIFA’s decision, speculation surfaced suggesting that Indonesia may have influenced the outcome. Erick Thohir, who also serves as Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), dismissed the claims as baseless.
“We did not intervene and we do not interfere in the issues of other countries,” Erick said firmly.
He reiterated Indonesia’s respect for its Southeast Asian neighbours, highlighting the region’s collective ambition to raise sporting standards.
“We must appreciate every country in the region that wants to advance its sports. From our side at the Ministry, we are only focused on improving Indonesian sports,” he explained.
Erick further emphasized that Indonesia’s sole priority is developing its own athletes and boosting its global sporting reputation across multiple disciplines.
“We want football to improve, badminton to remain strong, and pencak silat to gain worldwide recognition. That is our focus — not interfering in external issues,” he added.
The denial comes at a sensitive moment for Malaysian football, as the suspensions threaten to impact Harimau Malaya’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures, while FAM has already confirmed it will appeal FIFA’s ruling.
Credit Photo : KOMPAS
