FIFA has banned Malaysia and imposed heavy sanctions after determining that forged documents were used to register seven heritage players, in violation of Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which addresses forgery and falsification, according to FIFA.
The players involved are:
- Facundo Graces,
- Gabriel Felipe Arrocha,
- Rodrigo Holgado,
- Imanon Machuca,
- Joao Figueiredo,
- Jon Irazabal, and
- Hector Hevel
The decision, announced on September 26, 2025, saw Malaysia fined CHF350,000 (approx. S$565,981), while the players involved each received a CHF2,000 (approx. S$3,234) fine and a 12-month suspension from all football activities.
FIFA stated that the falsified documents allowed the players to feature in Malaysia’s 4-0 win against Vietnam during the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, 2025.
Furthermore, the matter of the players’ eligibility to play for the representative team of Malaysia has been referred by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to the FIFA Football Tribunal for consideration.
Malaysia Admits Technical Error in Document Submission
Three days later, on September 29, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) admitted an administrative slip in the paperwork.
Secretary-General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman described it as a “technical error” by staff, stressing that the players are genuine Malaysian citizens, BERNAMA reported.
FAM also confirmed that it has filed an appeal, but will only proceed after the full judgment is released, the association stated in a post on its official Facebook page.
Three JDT Players Barred from Domestic Competitions
In a recent update, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) players Hector Hevel, Joao Figueiredo, and Jon Irazabal, three of the seven players sanctioned by FIFA, will also be barred from participating in domestic competitions.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirmed it had received an official notification from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding FIFA’s suspension. Following this, the league stated that the three JDT players would not be eligible to feature in any Malaysian League matches throughout their 12-month ban.
MFL added that any further action on the case would only be taken once FIFA delivers its decision on FAM’s appeal.
Harimau Malaya Leadership Stands by Players
Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend described the sanctions as shocking and unprecedented, assuring that the team remains united with its players, coaches, and staff as they push forward, in an official statement.
Johor Crown Prince Suggests Broader Motive
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ) suggested the sanctions may be part of a “bigger agenda” against Malaysia.
He noted that the players’ citizenship was lawfully granted under Article 19(1) of the Constitution and urged Malaysians to stand behind the national team, Harian Metro reported.
Malaysia’s Response and Public Reactions
Acting FAM president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi insisted the association had acted in good faith and followed FIFA’s guidelines.
He emphasized that the eligibility of the players had previously been approved, according to a statement from FAM.
The ruling sparked mixed reactions online: some fans rallied behind the team, while others criticized FAM for mishandling the case.
Many questioned why FIFA had approved the players earlier if the documents were in question.
Uncertain Road Ahead for Malaysia’s Asian Cup Campaign
Malaysia currently leads its 2027 Asian Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches, but the bans leave its campaign in jeopardy.
The outcome of FIFA’s final judgment will decide the next steps for both the appeal and the team’s future.
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