Malaysia Football Faces Deeper Crisis as FIFA Overturns Match Results

FIFA annulled three match results for the Malaysian national football team. The international body found Malaysia fielded ineligible players. This decision marks the latest blow in an ongoing document forgery scandal for the squad. For more details on FIFA’s regulations, visit FIFA’s official news page.

In September, FIFA suspended seven naturalized players for 12 months. The organization also fined the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) approximately $440,000. These penalties stemmed from forged documents used to allow players in Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam in June.

Last month, FIFA rejected FAM’s appeal against its initial sanctions. The international body announced a formal investigation into FAM’s internal operations. FIFA also committed to notifying authorities in five countries about potential criminal proceedings.

The Malaysian Football Association responded by stating its intention to escalate the case. FAM plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, in its latest ruling, changed the outcomes of three friendly matches. The committee imposed a 3-0 defeat on Malaysia for each game involving the ineligible players. These included a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde on May 29, a 2-1 win over Singapore on September 4, and a 1-0 victory against Palestine on September 8, as confirmed by FAM.

The scandal has generated significant public uproar throughout Malaysia. Fans and lawmakers have demanded action against the Malaysian Football Association. They also called for accountability from government bodies responsible for granting player nationality.