FIFA upholds sentence, Malaysia risks missing two Asian Cups

FIFA's Appeal Committee has upheld the suspension of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code relating to falsification and fraud. The decision puts Malaysia at risk of missing the 2027 Asian Cup and even the 2031 Asian Cup if they are banned from qualifying.

FIFA's decision and the risk to Malaysia

FIFA has determined that the violations were related to the authenticity of naturalization documents, thereby upholding all sanctions issued to FAM and seven players. According to Astro Arena reporter Zulhelmi Zainal Azam, Malaysia could miss not only the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia but also face the risk of missing out on the 2031 tournament if they are banned from competing in the qualifying round.

If this scenario happens, Malaysia's return to the continental stage could be extended beyond 2031. In the context that the team has just set a goal of stabilizing at the Asian level, the disciplinary shock disrupts long-term plans.

The names mentioned

• Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
• Facundo Tomás Garces
• Rodrigo Julian Holgado
• Imanol Javier Machuca
• Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo
• Jon Irazabal Iraurgui
• Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano

The above players were accused of using invalid documents during the naturalization process, contrary to FIFA's regulations on document authenticity.

The Timor Leste precedent: a warning

The case of Malaysia recalls Timor Leste, who were banned from the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers because nine players were naturalized without proper documentation. When the incident was discovered, Timor Leste had all 29 matches cancelled, and the Secretary General of the Timor Leste Football Federation was banned from football for three years. This precedent shows that the consequences of violating player eligibility regulations can last for years.

FAM response: appeal to CAS

In light of the current situation, FAM said it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The organization confirmed that it would send a letter requesting FIFA to provide full details and a written explanation before taking the next steps. FAM said this was the first time it had faced a similar situation, and its leadership and legal team were surprised, while emphasizing that it would firmly protect the rights of players and the interests of Malaysian football at the international level.

Impact and next steps

If the ban is imposed, the Malaysian team’s development cycle could be disrupted and they could miss out on important continental competition. Their long-term plans and goals could be delayed, at least until after the 2031 Asian Cup.

Besides the legal appeal process, domestic moves were also noted as a task force was set up to investigate the naturalization scandal, according to relevant information cited in the source.

At this point, everything depends on the outcome of the CAS appeal and the official response from FIFA. However, lessons from precedent in the region show that world football's disciplinary framework for fraudulent records is consistent and strict.