In a major decision that has shaken Asian football, FIFA has awarded 3-0 defeats to Malaysia in three international matches after discovering that the team fielded ineligible players. The ruling affects friendly matches against Palestine and Singapore, as well as a draw with Cape Verde.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed the sanctions on Wednesday, acknowledging that the decision followed an investigation by FIFA into alleged document forgery by seven players. This latest development adds to Malaysia’s growing troubles, as the FAM had previously been fined $440,000 for separate infractions. A further fine of $12,500 has now been imposed.
The investigation began after a complaint was lodged following Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in June. In that game, two of the seven affected players had scored. FIFA’s findings revealed that none of the players—Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Brandao Figueiredo—had Malaysian parents or grandparents, a key requirement for representing the country internationally. The players reportedly submitted forged documents claiming Malaysian ancestry.
As a result, FIFA not only overturned the results of the three matches but also suspended all seven players indefinitely from international football. The FAM will now also face additional scrutiny from both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
The penalties are significant for Malaysia, which has been seeking to improve its standing in international football. The team had recently celebrated victories against Palestine and Singapore and was hoping to build momentum ahead of the Asian Cup. However, these wins have now been nullified, a setback that will affect the team’s FIFA ranking and credibility in the football community.
Football analysts warn that the scandal could have long-term consequences for Malaysian football, including loss of sponsorships, reduced fan support, and stricter monitoring of player eligibility. “This is a reminder that national teams must strictly follow FIFA regulations,” said one analyst. “Fielding ineligible players undermines the integrity of the sport and can have lasting reputational damage.”
The ruling comes at a critical time for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team, as they await the outcome of their own complaint to FIFA regarding player eligibility in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally challenged the Democratic Republic of Congo, insisting that the Leopards fielded ineligible players during the African play-offs.
The Super Eagles lost to DR Congo in a penalty shootout in the African play-offs but are now preparing for the intercontinental play-off final. The NFF’s complaint, if upheld, could have a major impact on Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
FIFA has historically taken eligibility violations seriously. National teams must meet strict criteria for player selection, including that at least one parent or grandparent was born in the country represented. Any attempt to bypass these rules with forged documents can result in match forfeitures, fines, and player suspensions.
FIFA’s eligibility rules are designed to maintain fairness and transparency in international football. Players may represent a country if they were born there, have a parent or grandparent born there, or have lived continuously in the country for at least five years after reaching adulthood. Any violation of these rules, including document falsification, is treated as a serious breach.
For Malaysia, the scandal highlights lapses in administrative oversight. Despite the fine imposed earlier in the year, the FAM allowed seven players to compete who did not meet the eligibility criteria. Football officials now face questions over how such errors occurred and whether further internal reforms are needed.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ situation underscores the global nature of the eligibility debate. Nigeria is seeking to ensure that all teams in the World Cup qualification process comply with the rules. A successful challenge against DR Congo could potentially overturn previous results and improve Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament.
In Nigeria, supporters of the Super Eagles are watching closely. “If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favor, it could be a huge boost for the team,” said a fan in Lagos. “It also sends a message that no country is above the rules.”
FAM has stated it will comply with FIFA’s decision and is reviewing internal processes to prevent future violations. The players involved remain suspended from international competition pending further investigation.
The NFF continues to await FIFA’s ruling on the DR Congo complaint. Both cases highlight the importance of player verification and the potential consequences for teams and federations that fail to adhere to the rules.
