The move came just a day after FIFA published a full report on the Malaysia Football Association (FAM)'s decision to reject the appeal in the case of seven players whose information was found to be false when applying for naturalization. Malaysian media immediately questioned KBS about the responsibility of the sports management agency.
According to Ms. Yeoh, the contents stated in the FIFA report are under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the agency responsible for handling naturalization procedures. She said that Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail would be the one to give the official response.
Previously, in early October, Mr. Saifuddin affirmed that the naturalization process of the above group of players "is carried out in accordance with regulations".
However, new developments from FIFA continue to push the case further when requiring authorities to investigate signs of forging documents in related countries such as Spain and Argentina. This is the next step after FIFA concluded that the players had made false statements right from the first working sessions.
Although not directly in charge of the naturalization sector, Minister Hannah Yeoh said she would explain to the National Assembly on November 20 within the framework of the KBS meeting, which focused on the 2026 budget estimate. She also emphasized that she had contacted the Ministry of Home Affairs but had not received any response and needed more time for this agency to comprehensively review the case.
KBS previously affirmed that it will coordinate with an independent investigation committee established by FAM to clarify responsibilities, but still comply with the principle of not interfering politically in football activities according to FIFA regulations.
In the context of Singapore just winning a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup, Malaysian media see this as a strong warning to FAM about the decline of the country's football.
