FIFA has imposed a 12-month suspension on seven Malaysia national team players and fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) 350,000 Swiss francs ($440,000) after it was revealed that forged documents had been used to field the players in an Asia Cup qualifier match. The sanctions stem from the players’ involvement in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June, a game that was called into question after allegations about the players’ eligibility.
The disciplinary committee of world football’s governing body took action following a complaint regarding the legitimacy of the documentation provided by the Football Association of Malaysia. This prompted a full investigation, during which it was determined that the FAM had doctored documents to make it appear that the players met the necessary eligibility requirements.
As a result, the following players were handed suspensions and fines: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano. Each player has been fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from any football-related activity for a period of 12 months.
In response to the suspension, the FAM expressed its intention to appeal the decision. In a statement issued by the association, it emphasized that the players and the FAM had acted in good faith, asserting that all documentation and procedures were managed transparently and in line with FIFA’s guidelines. Furthermore, the FAM maintained that FIFA had previously reviewed the qualifications of the players and confirmed their eligibility to represent Malaysia.
Despite the controversy, Malaysia currently tops their group in the 2027 Asia Cup qualifying campaign with six points from two matches, though the team remains in limbo pending any additional sanctions from FIFA. The FAM has vowed to use all available legal channels to challenge the decision, maintaining that it has always prioritized the interests of both the players and the national team.
This incident casts a shadow over Malaysia’s progress in the Asia Cup qualifiers, leaving both fans and the football community to await the next steps in this evolving case.
