Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Olympic Committee KOI) has denied claims that the country influenced FIFA’s decision to sanction the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). 

NOC chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari said on Monday (29/9/2025) that the allegations were baseless and risk undermining long-standing sporting ties between the two countries.

“Don’t be provoked. Our relations with Malaysia have always been good, and they should not be damaged by people who don’t understand the situation. We believe FIFA has its own clear mechanism in making decisions,” Okto said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He emphasized that Indonesia and Malaysia, as neighboring nations, frequently compete and cooperate in multi-sport events such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics. Beyond competition, the two countries also collaborate on coaching exchanges and youth athlete development.

FIFA last week sanctioned FAM with a CHF 350,000 fine and banned seven naturalized Malaysian players for 12 months over document falsification, sparking widespread speculation and misinformation.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)