Malaysia takes action regarding seven players with illegal naturalization.

This move is regarded as a decisive measure to fully resolve one of the gravest controversies in Malaysia's football history, simultaneously sparking widespread regional interest in Southeast Asia.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) recently officially reported to the police concerning allegations of forged documents involving seven naturalized players of the national team.

According to FAM’s announcement, the report was submitted to the Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarters after the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) completed its verification process. Chaired by former Malaysian Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, the committee was established to clarify doubts related to the legality of the naturalized players’ documentation.

FAM affirmed its full cooperation with the authorities and expressed complete respect for the legal procedures. The Malaysian football governing body emphasized that proactively reporting to the police demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency, integrity, and governance reform, amid intense public pressure both domestically and internationally.

In its investigation conclusion, the IIC recommended that FAM immediately report the matter to the police and review internal responsibilities for individuals or departments that failed in oversight. Additionally, the committee proposed a series of structural reforms to prevent similar violations in the future.

Not long ago, FIFA’s Appeal Committee released a 64-page document explaining the reasons for rejecting the appeals from FAM and the seven players involved. The names implicated include Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

According to FIFA’s decision, FAM was fined up to 350,000 Swiss Francs, approximately 1.8 million Malaysian Ringgit. Each player on the list must pay a 2,000 Swiss Franc fine and serve a 12-month suspension. This is among the harshest penalties FIFA has ever imposed on a football association in the region.

Furthermore, FIFA annulled the results of Malaysia’s friendly matches against Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine. These opponents were awarded 3-0 wins due to Malaysia fielding ineligible players.

Currently, FAM has confirmed it has filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), hoping to overturn some or all of the FIFA sanctions. However, since the case has been forwarded to criminal investigators, the future of Malaysian football remains highly uncertain.