FIFA released a full report on Monday confirming the rejection of the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) appeal over player eligibility violations.
On November 3, the football governing body upheld earlier findings that FAM had fielded ineligible naturalised players using forged documentation in official matches.
The players involved were Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
According to FIFA, the players submitted falsified birth certificates of grandparents to obtain Malaysian nationality and represent the national team.
FIFA’s Appeal Committee ruled that the evidence “clearly demonstrated” deliberate manipulation of documents.
As a result, FAM’s original sanctions including a CHF 350,000 fine were upheld.
The seven players also had their 12-month suspensions and CHF 2,000 fines maintained.
FIFA stated that the irregularities had provided Malaysia with an “undue sporting advantage” in competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
The committee added that procedural claims raised by FAM did not change the substance of the violations.
The report further revealed that, due to the nature of the offences, relevant criminal authorities in Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia had been notified to pursue potential investigations and proceedings.
Meanwhile, the FAM had confirmed that they would take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a final appeal.
KENYATAAN RASMI PERSATUAN BOLASEPAK MALAYSIA (FAM)
Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) telah menerima keputusan rayuan daripada Persekutuan Bolasepak Antarabangsa (FIFA), di mana rayuan kami telah ditolak.
▶️ Baca penuh di https://t.co/qyAyDsdH9k#FAM #HarimauMalaya pic.twitter.com/EDhVU0pF5Q
— FA Malaysia (@FAM_Malaysia) November 3, 2025
