The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been hit with significant penalties from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) following an investigation into alleged naturalization document fraud. Seven players linked to the Malaysian national team have been banned from all football activities for a period of 12 months, after being found to have falsified naturalization paperwork for foreign players. These irregularities occurred in the context of the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, specifically during a match where Malaysia secured a 4-0 victory against Vietnam.
According to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, the seven football players implicated in these document violations include Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazabal, both originally from Spain. The list also features Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, and Imanol Machuca, who hail from Argentina. Additionally, Joao Figueiredo, a Brazilian national, and Hector Hevel, originally from the Netherlands, were also found to have committed infractions regarding their naturalization documents.
The Malaysian national team had reportedly naturalized these players under a ‘bloodline’ principle, asserting that their eligibility was based on their grandparents’ original nationalities. Their details were subsequently registered with the FIFA federation. All seven of these players participated in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Vietnam, which took place in June at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, a Group F fixture that saw Malaysia triumph with a 4-0 scoreline.
In an official statement, FIFA confirmed, ‘FIFA received complaints regarding the eligibility of these seven players. The Football Association of Malaysia utilized falsified documents to enable these players to participate on the field.’
Following a thorough review of all available evidence, FIFA has imposed a substantial fine of $438,700 on the Football Association of Malaysia. Furthermore, each of the seven players involved has been fined $2,500 and handed a 12-month ban from all football-related activities. These suspensions commenced on September 26th.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has also referred this case to the FIFA Court of Arbitration for further consideration. Crucially, FIFA has granted the FAM the right to lodge an appeal against this decision. To do so, Malaysia must prepare adequate documentation and justifiable reasons, as FIFA has provided a strict 10-day window for their appeal submission.
In the wake of FIFA’s severe sanctions against the FAM, both Malaysian football fans and local media outlets have voiced strong criticism against the federation’s leadership. There have been widespread calls for accountability and a clear response regarding FIFA’s disciplinary action.
Despite the condemnation, the FAM promptly issued a statement on the same day, asserting that all naturalization documents for the players were submitted to FIFA and complied with FIFA’s guidelines and regulations at the time. This, according to the FAM, is why the players were permitted to officially represent the Malaysian national team. Concurrently, the FAM announced its intention to file an official appeal against FIFA’s ruling.
