In the early morning of September 27, on the official fanpage, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) gave an official response regarding FIFA's penalty - the case of using fake documents of 7 players to participate in the third qualifying round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
The press release reads: "We would like to emphasize that the players involved and FAM themselves have fully and transparently implemented the naturalization process as well as registered to compete.
The Football Federation of Malaysia has carefully handled all related documents and procedures based on principles and guided regulations. Previously, FIFA itself checked the players' qualifications and confirmed that they were eligible to represent the Malaysian team.
Regarding this decision, FAM will appeal and use all resources and legal procedures to ensure transparency and rights for the players and national team of Malaysia.
The Football Federation of Malaysia is committed to always complying with the rules from the world football organization. We will also cooperate closely with the Malaysian Government and relevant parties to ensure the appeal process is conducted transparently and fairly.
Any update on the appeal process will be updated by FAM on the mass media.
The dispatch notice is signed by Mr. Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Haji Mahadi - Acting President of the Football Federation of Malaysia.
Previously, late on September 26, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee issued a severe penalty against the Malaysia Football Federation and 7 players involved in the case of using fake documents to participate in the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup.
According to the announcement, 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 have been identified as violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) for for forgery and distorted conduct.
FAM is said to have submitted documents with invalid documents to register this group of players to compete.
The incident occurred after the match between Malaysia and Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, 2025. After the match, FIFA received complaints related to the playing status of some players, thereby launching an investigation.
As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 CHF (about 11.5 billion VND; 7 players each had to pay a fine of 2,000 CHF (about 66 million VND) and banned from all football activities for 12 months, starting from the date of announcement of the decision.
At the same time, the issue of the players' national team representative status has been transferred to the FIFA Football Court for further consideration.
According to FIFA, FAM and the players have the right to request a reasoned decision within 10 days and can still appeal to the Jury.
