FIFA launches formal probe into Football Association of Malaysia after seven naturalised players suspended for using falsified documents in Asian Cup qualifiers
KUALA LUMPUR: FIFA will launch a formal investigation into the Football Association of Malaysia’s internal operations following the suspension of seven naturalised players.
The global football body banned the players for 12 months after discovering false documentation was used for their participation in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.
All seven players featured in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in June.
“This investigation shall aim to identify the individuals responsible for the falsification of documents,” FIFA stated.
The probe will also assess the adequacy of FAM’s internal compliance mechanisms and determine if additional disciplinary measures are warranted against officials.
FIFA has ordered the association to pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM2.06 million) and recently dismissed its appeals.
Malaysia’s football association announced plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“This step is being taken to ensure that justice is upheld and to uphold the integrity of the player eligibility process,” Acting President Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said in a statement.
The FIFA findings have sparked public outrage in Malaysia, with fans and lawmakers demanding action against the association and relevant government departments.
Last month, the association suspended its secretary-general and established an independent investigation committee.
The FIFA report revealed how seven foreign-born players obtained Malaysian nationality through a process supervised by the football association.
Players claimed Malaysian grandparents, but FIFA uncovered significant discrepancies in submitted birth certificates.
“Players admitted at the hearing that they did not read any of the application documents submitted to the Malaysian government,” FIFA noted.
The players explained that FAM handled all bureaucratic steps necessary for their naturalisation following document submission.
FIFA also directed its Secretariat to notify authorities in Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
“It is imperative that the relevant authorities are informed so that appropriate criminal investigations and proceedings may be pursued,” the global body stated. – Reuters
