Indonesian media reacts strongly to FIFA's latest move regarding Malaysia

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officially announcing decisions related to the fake data scandal in the player naturalization process quickly drew significant attention from Indonesian media.

According to CNN Indonesia, the meeting of the FAM Executive Committee (Exco)held at the Wisma FAM headquarters in Kelana Jaya on December 22 was seen as a “mandatory” step following the shocking report released by the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC). This meeting, chaired by Acting FAM President Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Hj. Mahadi, was the fourth special Exco session of the 2025–2029 term.

Indonesian press particularly emphasized that the IIC, led by Tun Md Raus Sharif, identified two core issues in the case: the Malaysian citizenship granting process and document forgery, directly involving seven naturalized players who are currently or have been part of Malaysia’s national team.

The CNN Indonesia considers this “one of the most serious scandals in Malaysian football in recent years” because the issue goes beyond administrative errors and touches legal aspects. According to this news outlet, FAM’s initial decision to file a police report demonstrates the gravity of the matter.

CNN Indonesia commented: “FAM’s acceptance of the IIC’s recommendations and reporting the case to the police shows that the association had no other choice but to involve the legal authorities.” Indonesian media view this move as an attempt to alleviate public pressure amid close scrutiny of Malaysian football by FIFA and AFC.

FAM’s second decision, to reform player management and registration, was also thoroughly analyzed by Indonesian press. Meanwhile, the third decision, concerning the continued suspension of FAM Secretary-General Datuk Noor Azman Hj. Rahman, was regarded as the most critical point by Indonesian media. Not only is Datuk Noor Azman facing the FAM Disciplinary Committee, but he is also under an independent investigation by FIFA.

Malaysian expert Zulakbal Abd Karim emphasized: “FIFA’s direct involvement indicates that this case has escalated beyond FAM’s internal affairs and become an international issue.”