FIFA has banned seven Malaysia players for one year over forged documents in qualifiers.
The country’s football body was also fined 350,000 Swiss francs and plans to appeal.
FIFA has suspended seven Malaysia national team players for 12 months and fined the country’s football association 350,000 Swiss francs ($440,000) after uncovering forged documents used during an Asia Cup qualifier.
The world football governing body’s disciplinary committee ruled that paperwork had been doctored to enable the players’ participation in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. The case was triggered by a complaint regarding the eligibility of several players who featured in that match.
Each of the seven players was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and handed a one-year ban from all football-related activities: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) stated that it would appeal the decision, emphasizing that both the federation and the players had acted in good faith.
“FAM will use all available legal channels and procedures to ensure that the interests of the players and the Malaysian national team are always protected,” the association said in a statement.
The FAM further claimed that FIFA had previously reviewed the players’ documents and confirmed their eligibility.
Malaysia currently sits atop its 2027 Asia Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches. The ruling, however, could alter the standings depending on the outcome of appeals and potential legal proceedings.
