FIFA has overturned the results of three international matches played by Malaysia after determining that the team fielded ineligible players, deepening a growing scandal surrounding player eligibility and alleged document forgery, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FAM disclosed that FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that three friendly matches in which the suspended players featured have been declared forfeits, each recorded as 3–0 defeats against Malaysia. The affected matches were against Cape Verde on May 29, Singapore on September 4, and Palestine on September 8.
As part of the ruling, FIFA also imposed an additional fine of 10,000 Swiss francs on FAM. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the decision is subject to appeal.
The latest sanctions follow an earlier ruling in September, when FIFA suspended seven naturalised Malaysian players for 12 months and fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (about $439,000). FIFA found that false documentation had been used to secure eligibility for the players, allowing them to feature in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in June.
Malaysia had originally drawn 1–1 with Cape Verde and recorded victories of 2–1 and 1–0 over Singapore and Palestine respectively. Those results have now been annulled.
FIFA last month dismissed an appeal filed by FAM against the initial sanctions and announced plans to launch a formal investigation into the association’s internal operations. The world football governing body also said it would notify authorities in five countries over possible criminal proceedings linked to the case.
In response, FAM announced its intention to challenge FIFA’s decisions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The association said it would first request the full written reasons behind the latest ruling before deciding on its next course of action.
The controversy has sparked widespread backlash in Malaysia, with fans and several lawmakers calling for accountability within FAM and among government agencies involved in granting citizenship to the players.
Last month, FAM suspended its secretary-general and set up an independent committee to investigate what it described as a “technical error” in the eligibility process.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has pledged full transparency in domestic investigations into the matter but stressed that FAM must be given the opportunity to defend itself as due process unfolds
