FIFA sanctions Malaysia for fielding foreign-born players with fake documents

By Canadian Press on September 26, 2025.

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA has sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia after finding documents submitted to naturalize seven foreign-born players were doctored.

The players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano — were all born abroad and featured in Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in a 2027 Asian Cup qualifier in June.

The players breached regulations concerning forgery and falsification, FIFA said on Friday.

The FAM submitted eligibility inquiries to FIFA, and in doing so “used doctored documentation to be able to field the above players,” the governing body said.

Each player was suspended for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs ($2,510). The FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs ($438,000).

The players’ eligibility to play for Malaysia will also be investigated, FIFA added.

Vietnamese media reported its national team will be awarded a 3-0 win for the June match, but FIFA made no comment.

Malaysia leads Asia Group F in qualifying with six points from two games, three clear of Vietnam in second. Only the group winner advances to the tournament, with four matches remaining.

The Associated Press