HOT: AFC makes unexpected decision regarding four illegally naturalized Malaysian stars

AFC stated there is no issue with MFL's decision regarding the registration of foreign-origin players at JDT and Kuching City, affirming all procedures comply with regulations.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated there is no issue with the decision of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) concerning the registration of foreign-origin players for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Kuching City FC.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, affirmed that the continental football governing body respects the ruling made by MFL, as this decision was based on the terms within the Malaysia Liga Competition Regulations.

“That decision was made based on the terms within MFL's regulatory system, so in principle there should be no issue. These regulations have also been clearly communicated to all clubs participating in the Malaysia Liga”, Windsor stated.

Previously, MFL confirmed that registering JDT's three foreign-origin players Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel, along with Kuching City FC's player Gabriel Palmero as domestic players, complies with the regulations of the 2025/26 Malaysia Liga season.

According to MFL, the player registration process was carried out based on the Malaysia Liga Handbook version 2025/26, specifically the terms related to the player registration and transfer system, managed through the FIFA Connect (MYPAS) system of the Malaysian Football Association (FAM).

This regulation also requires clubs to provide copies of valid citizen identity cards or passports when registering domestic or foreign players. The above content was officially notified to clubs by MFL via a dispatch issued on June 12, 2025.

“These four players have completed the registration procedures according to the competition's regulations, using valid identity cards issued by the Malaysian National Registration Department (JPN). Therefore, there is no violation in the clubs' registration process for this season”, MFL affirmed.

Nevertheless, MFL also stated that the aforementioned players must still serve a 12-month suspension in official matches, according to prior decisions by the World Football Federation (FIFA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Besides these four players, three other names—Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, and Rodrigo Holgado—were also disciplined by FIFA regarding the case of falsifying eligibility documents for the Malaysian national teamVFF will immediately act if AFC fails to do one thing. This scandal is attracting significant attention from regional football public opinion recently.