September 30, 2025 | 02:35 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI/NOC Indonesia) asserted that accusations claiming Indonesia was behind FIFA's decision to sanction the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are unfounded. The committee urged the public not to be easily provoked by the issue.
NOC Indonesia Chair Raja Sapta Oktohari stated that such accusations would only damage the strong relationship that has been established between Indonesia and Malaysia in the world of sports.
"Let's not act strangely; our relationship (Indonesia-Malaysia) has been good. Don't let it be ruined by individuals who understand nothing. Don't be provoked," Okto said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
Okto emphasized that Indonesia and Malaysia are kindred nations that often compete and collaborate in multinational sporting events, from the SEA Games and Asian Games to the Olympics. He added that the collaboration extends beyond the field, including the exchange of coaching experiences and youth athlete development programs. Therefore, the spirit of brotherhood must be maintained.
"We believe that FIFA has clear mechanisms and regulations in making decisions. Sanctions cannot be imposed due to intervention from other countries. Therefore, do not let anyone intentionally distort the facts," Okto said.
NOC Indonesia disclosed that the developing issue is merely a potentially provocative act that may lead to misunderstanding. "Sport should be a unifying tool, not a divider. We have to uphold sportsmanship, fair play, and solidarity, especially with Malaysia as our kindred brethren," he emphasized.
On Friday, September 26, FIFA officially imposed sanctions on seven naturalized players of the Malaysian national team, consisting of a 12-month ban from playing and a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (approximately Rp 41.8 million) per player.
Furthermore, FAM was also fined 350,000 Swiss francs (around Rp7.3 billion) for the falsification of naturalization documents.
The seven penalized players are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
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