According to Nik Erman, speaking to Malaysian newspaper Sukan Sinar, the group of players claimed Malaysian heritage to qualify for naturalization but did not meet the actual standards. Based on details from FIFA, the players admitted to entrusting the entire naturalization process to their agents and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) staff.

Lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli and four of the seven naturalized Malaysian players. *Photo: Sinar Harian*

Nik Erman stated that while the document forgery originated from individuals within FAM, this does not absolve the players of responsibility. He stressed that even if they were to sue FAM, the players would likely face an uphill battle.

"The players did not read, understand, or pay attention to their naturalization documents," he said. "Even when informed of a 12-month suspension, they remained indifferent. They cannot simply shift all responsibility to others. FAM should sue these seven players because they falsely claimed Malaysian ancestry, despite not meeting the requirements."

Nik Erman, a commercial and sports lawyer, has frequently been interviewed regarding Malaysia's player naturalization forgery case. He previously stated that FAM cannot escape culpability, even if they appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The lawyer also suggested that both FAM and the players could initiate legal action against the agents or staff who acted as intermediaries in the case. According to FIFA records, the players all stated that they entrusted the entire naturalization process to an unnamed individual. "That is the real mastermind," the lawyer emphasized.

Previously, Malaysian media reported that the seven players were considering a countersuit against FAM after being implicated in the document forgery. They are seeking damages for being sidelined for one year, with some players even having their contracts terminated by their clubs.

The seven players in question are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Iraurgui, and Hector Hevel. FAM is currently preparing to escalate the case to CAS, seeking an opportunity to mitigate or dismiss the accusations. They have not yet announced the submission of an appeal.

Hoang An (according to Sinar Harian)