FIFA Slams Malaysia With Three 3–0 Losses Over Ineligible Players Scandal

• FIFA has overturned three of Malaysia’s international results and imposed fresh sanctions after the country was found guilty of fielding ineligible players.

FIFA has penalised Malaysia with three 3–0 defeats for fielding ineligible players, according to a statement released by the country’s football authorities on Wednesday, marking the latest development in a simmering eligibility scandal.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that friendly wins over Palestine and Singapore, as well as a draw against Cape Verde — all played at home earlier this year — have been overturned by FIFA.

The world football governing body had earlier suspended seven foreign-born national team players over forged documents that allegedly claimed they had Malaysian ancestry.

The affected players are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Brandao Figueiredo.

In addition to a previous fine of $440,000, the FAM has now been hit with an extra $12,500 sanction.

A FIFA disciplinary committee meeting held on Friday ruled that “Malaysia is declared to have lost 3–0 in all three matches,” the Malaysian football body said.

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FIFA launched a full investigation after receiving a complaint following Malaysia’s 4–0 victory over Vietnam in June during an Asian Cup qualifier, a match in which two of the suspended players scored.

According to FIFA’s findings, none of the seven players had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia — a key requirement for eligibility to represent a national team under FIFA regulations.

Despite the sanctions, the FAM has denied any wrongdoing and announced plans to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The ruling adds to growing global scrutiny over nationality and eligibility compliance in international football.