PETALING JAYA: There were mixed reactions from netizens after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven national players were hit with heavy sanctions by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for breaching Article 22 of the Disciplinary Code concerning forgery and falsification.

FIFA had announced that FAM had submitted doctored documents in eligibility enquiries in order to field the players - Gabriel Palermo, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel - in Malaysia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, 2025.

FAM have appealed FIFA's decision and said the association will pursue all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the Malaysian national team.

Netizens flooded FAM's Facebook page to comment on the issue, with some standing behind FAM while others were critical of the association.

"This is the time for us to stand behind FAM and support Harimau Malaya as fans," said Helmi Rahim.

"Wait for the results of the appeal first before criticising. If this does turn out to be true, then only criticise," said Wan Siddiq.

"Our football is dead," said Ali Roshidi.

"If this turns out to be true, pity the fans as they have been scammed," said Hamid Radhi.

"This is sad. Malaysian football is ruined to satisfy the ego of one person," said Ahma Amsy.

"If you are on the right side, please fight for justice. Our country's reputation cannot be allowed to be damaged," said Azwan Jamlus.

"Something is wrong somewhere. Keep calm, Malaysians," said Aidi.

"If FIFA approved our heritage players before this, then why is there this issue of forgery? questioned Firdaus Redzuan.