Malaysian police officially launch investigation into seven naturalized players

Malaysian police have started an inquiry into suspected forgery of documents related to seven naturalized national team players, after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) formally reported the case to law enforcement.

Malaysian police have commenced an investigation into allegations of falsified documents concerning seven naturalized players of the national team, subsequent to receiving an official report from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

The Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, confirmed this information and stated that two initial statements have been recorded. “An investigation case has been opened under Section 468 of the Penal Code regarding document forgery. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment and a fine upon conviction,” Mr. Rusdi stated.

According to FAM, the matter originated from a report submitted by the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC), chaired by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, after completing an internal review. The IIC recommended that FAM promptly report the matter to the police, while also enforcing internal disciplinary actions and restructuring management to prevent similar errors in the future.

FAM affirmed it will fully cooperate with the investigative authorities, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, integrity, and governance reform to protect the reputation of national football.

Previously, the case attracted significant public attention when FIFA announced severe sanctions against FAM and the seven players for fielding ineligible players in international friendly matches. Specifically, FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately 11.5 billion VND), while each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and suspended for 12 months.

Additionally, the results of three friendly matches between Malaysia and Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine were annulled, with FIFA awarding 3–0 victories to the opposing teams.

FAM subsequently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to review FIFA’s entire decision. However, with the criminal investigation ongoing, the case is expected to be prolonged, posing further challenges for Malaysian football in its efforts to reform and regain fan trust.