Recently, the New Straits Times quoted an Indonesian football expert - Justinus Lhaksana about Malaysia's naturalization issue.
Accordingly, in a recent podcast, Mr. Justinus Lhaksana affirmed that Malaysia has been suspended by FIFA for using naturalized players in violation of the law.
On YouTube channel HY Sport, Mr. Justinus Lhaksana said that Malaysia is still allowed to participate in the Southeast Asian U23 tournament because this tournament is not recognized by FIFA. However, they will be banned from participating in other tournaments until 2027.
The reason given by the Indonesian football expert is that 5 players who used to play in Brazil have been naturalized and played for the Malaysian national team - on the basis of having Malaysian ancestors.
"If that is true, it will be very easy to prove it by paper. Otherwise, it seems like they are taking advantage of the system, he said.
According to the New Straits Times, the five players mentioned are facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao figureiredo and Rodrigo Holgado, who participated in the match against Vietnam on June 10.
However, as Lao Dong reported, the Asian Football Confederation has denied this rumor and said that the issues of participation conditions are completely under the authority of FIFA.
The Football Federation of Malaysia has also emphasized that it has fully complied with international regulations and has not received any notices from FIFA or the AFC.
Some regional newspapers said that Malaysian fans have the right to worry when recently, the Malaysian team unexpectedly withdrew from the 2025 Central Asian - CAFA Nations Cup.
This decision was made by head coach Peter Cklamovski instead of the heads of the federation.
