FIFA bans 7 Malaysian players for 12 months

FIFA has suspended seven Malaysia national team players for 12 months and fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) 350,000 Swiss francs ($440,000) over the use of forged documents during an Asia Cup qualifier

According to FIFA’s disciplinary committee, the sanctions followed the discovery that FAM had falsified paperwork to field the players in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. The action was taken after a complaint was lodged over the eligibility of several players who participated in the match.

The suspended players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano — were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football-related activities for 12 months.

FAM has vowed to appeal the ruling, insisting that both the association and the players acted in good faith.
“FAM would like to emphasise that the players involved, and FAM itself, have acted in good faith and with full transparency throughout this process,” the body said in a statement, adding that FIFA had previously reviewed and confirmed the players’ eligibility.

FAM also reiterated its commitment to using all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the national team.

Malaysia currently leads its 2027 Asia Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches, although its standing may be affected depending on the outcome of the appeal.