FIFA Rejects Malaysia’s Appeal Over Forged Player Documents, Upholds Sanctions

FIFA Rejects FAM’s Appeal

FIFA has officially dismissed the appeals filed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalised players. FAM filed the appeals over the use of forged documents in player eligibility submissions.

In a statement on Monday 4 November, the FIFA Appeal Committee confirmed that it had “decided to dismiss the appeals” after reviewing evidence and conducting hearings. The committee upheld in full the disciplinary measures imposed under Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which covers forgery and falsification.

The Sanctions Stand

As a result, FAM must pay a fine of CHF 350,000 (about RM1.8 million), while each of the seven players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano — faces a CHF 2,000 fine and a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.

These players were previously found to have obtained Malaysian nationality using falsified documents claiming ancestral heritage. The scandal erupted following Malaysia’s 4–0 win over Vietnam in a June Asian Cup qualifier, where all seven players had featured.

“Surprised by the Decision”

In an official statement, FAM Acting President Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the association will be requesting the full written reasoning from FIFA before deciding on its next move. They would potentially be appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“This is the first time FAM has faced such a situation, and our legal team and management are very surprised by the decision. However, FAM will continue to firmly fight for the rights of the players and the interests of Malaysian football at the international level,”
said Yusoff.

Government Walks a Tightrope

Following the ruling, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh stressed that The Ministry of Youth and Sports will balance between upholding FIFA’s regulations and ensuring domestic accountability.

Yeoh warned that any interference in FAM’s affairs could risk FIFA suspension. This would have severe consequences for Malaysia’s entire football ecosystem — from the national team to local leagues and youth development programs.

“The government needs to be cautious because any form of intervention could lead to FAM being suspended by FIFA,” she wrote on Facebook.

The ministry will collaborate with the Independent Special Investigation Committee, led by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, to identify corrective actions and strengthen FAM’s governance.

What’s Next for Malaysian Football

For now, FAM and the sanctioned players remain bound by FIFA’s ruling. They have ten days to request a full written decision, and 21 days after that to file an appeal with CAS. This is if they choose to challenge the verdict.

The case marks a significant moment for Malaysian football. It underscores the growing scrutiny over naturalisation processes, documentation standards, and the governance of sporting institutions in the country.

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