Malaysia Appeals FIFA Ban on Seven Naturalised Players
Football Association of Malaysia
October 2025
Malaysia will appeal FIFA’s ruling that banned seven players for falsifying documents to gain eligibility for the national team. FIFA’s disciplinary report revealed the players’ claimed Malaysian ancestry was fabricated, with roots actually in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
The players received 12-month bans and fines, while FAM was hit with a 350,000 Swiss franc penalty. FAM said it already prepared documents to support its appeal and will file promptly. The controversy threatens to destabilize Malaysian football, as the national team risks losing key squad members for an extended period.