Fifa launches formal probe into FAM as Malaysia faces sanctions over naturalised players
Fifa has opened a formal investigation into the Football Association of Malaysia after finding falsified documents used for seven naturalised players, placing Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup campaign in jeopardy.
- Fifa has launched a formal investigation into the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after finding falsified documents used to naturalise seven players.
- Malaysia faces fines, possible points deductions and potential disqualification from the 2027 Asian Cup.
- Singapore secured qualification on merit, prompting comparisons in naturalisation practices and football governance.
MALAYSIA: Fifa has initiated a formal investigation into the internal operations of the Football Association of Malaysia after suspending seven naturalised players for using allegedly falsified documents.
According to the global football body, the players used false information to become eligible for an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.
The players received 12-month bans after Fifa found that incorrect documentation had been submitted to support their Malaysian lineage. All seven took part in Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in June.
Fifa stated that the investigation would assess responsibility for the falsification, evaluate the adequacy of compliance systems within FAM, and determine whether additional disciplinary action is warranted against officials.
Malaysia’s football association announced on 18 November that it intended to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Acting President Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the move aimed to uphold fairness and the integrity of eligibility rules set by national authorities.
Fifa has imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs, approximately US$434,800, and dismissed FAM’s appeal earlier this month.
The findings have prompted strong public reaction in Malaysia, with fans and some legislators demanding accountability from football authorities and government departments.
Last month, FAM suspended its secretary-general and established an independent committee to conduct its own inquiry.
Fifa’s report identified Facundo Garces, Gabriel Arrocha, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel as the players involved. All were born outside Malaysia but were granted nationality through a process supervised by FAM.
Fifa found disparities between birth certificates provided by the players and those submitted by FAM to demonstrate Malaysian ancestry. At the hearing, the players admitted they had not read the application documents submitted to the Malaysian government, including declarations asserting a decade of residency.
According to Fifa, the bureaucratic steps for naturalisation had been undertaken by FAM. Fifa also instructed its Secretariat to notify authorities in Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, stating that relevant bodies should consider potential criminal investigations.
In a separate development, the Malaysian youth and sports ministry has suspended funding for FAM until the ongoing issues surrounding the seven heritage players are resolved.
Minister Hannah Yeoh described the measure as immediate and temporary while an independent committee, led by former chief justice Raus Sharif, continues its review.
On 3 November, Fifa announced that it had rejected FAM’s appeal “in its entirety,” adding that Malaysia may face points deductions in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
Fifa penalised both FAM and the players for submitting falsified eligibility documents before the match against Vietnam on 10 June.
Meanwhile, Singapore secured a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup after defeating Hong Kong 2-1. Malaysia extended their winning run with a 1-0 victory over Nepal, but their campaign remains overshadowed by the eligibility scandal.
Singapore’s achievement represents its first qualification on merit since 1984. The contrasting fortunes of the two countries have sparked commentary on naturalisation practices and long-term football planning.
Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said FAM’s approach had “blown up in their face,” noting that Singapore’s measured development strategy is producing results. He argued that shortcuts in player naturalisation contributed to Malaysia’s current crisis.
Dr Zulakbal added that naturalisation can succeed when properly managed, citing Indonesia’s progress.
He said Malaysia sought a rapid solution after a 10-0 defeat by the United Arab Emirates in 2015 but moved too quickly.
He warned that Malaysia could face additional sanctions but emphasised the need for systemic reform.
He said Malaysia could still target the 2031 Asian Cup if standards are strengthened.
