Gianni Infantino, President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Malaysia. This significant trip will coincide with the 47th ASEAN summit, slated to run from October 26-28. Infantino’s presence comes at a particularly sensitive time for Malaysian football, as the nation is currently embroiled in a prominent controversy concerning the alleged falsification of naturalization documents for several national team players.
According to reports from Malaysian news sources, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) anticipates the FIFA President’s presence in the country. A primary objective of the visit is the expected signing of a crucial agreement between FIFA and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). This agreement is designed to further the development of football throughout the Southeast Asian region. Additionally, the FIFA President is expected to tour various training facilities and sports academies located in Putrajaya during his stay.
However, the backdrop to Infantino’s visit is the ongoing scandal that has gripped the Malaysian national football team. This controversy centers on serious allegations of document forgery related to naturalized players, an issue that has prompted FAM to formally appeal sanctions previously imposed by FIFA.
The genesis of this dispute can be traced back to last September. During an Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, Malaysia fielded seven naturalized players in a match where they secured a 4-0 victory over Vietnam. Following the match, Vietnam lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the eligibility of these players. FIFA’s subsequent investigation concluded that the seven players in question did not possess the required Malaysian ancestry through grandparents, directly contradicting the information provided in FAM’s official documentation.
As a direct consequence of its findings, FIFA imposed substantial penalties on FAM, including a fine amounting to approximately $438,960. Furthermore, the seven naturalized players involved in the breach were each banned from participating in any football activities for 12 months and received an individual fine of $2,500. The players identified were Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazabal, both originally from Spain; Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, and Imanol Machuca, all of Argentine origin; Joao Figueiredo from Brazil; and Hector Hevel, who hails from the Netherlands.
Sports lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli has commented on the challenging situation, suggesting that the Football Association of Malaysia faces an incredibly difficult task in successfully appealing FIFA’s stringent sanctions. Roseli indicated that FAM’s appeal is likely primarily a measure aimed at safeguarding the national football body’s reputation and institutional integrity.
The 47th ASEAN summit, during which FIFA President Gianni Infantino will be in Malaysia, is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 28.
