Malaysian football continues to fall into great turmoil when FIFA issued a decision to ban 7 naturalized players from playing for 12 months due to fraud.
This penalty has caused the strength of the national team to decline significantly, especially when they are preparing to enter two important matches against Laos in the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup.
The banned list includes many key players, including facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Gabriel Palmero, Imanol Machuca and 3 players currently playing for Johor Darul Ta'zim: Joao figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel. This is a group of players who have accounted for most of the team's strength since the beginning of the qualifying campaign.
Malaysia's CEO Rob Friend said: "We are shocked by FIFA's decision and unprecedented penalties for the Malaysian players.
FAM has resolved the administrative issues under review, and the team is determined to support the appeal process.
As Harimau Malaya, we are fully focused on the road ahead, preparing a strong squad for the upcoming qualifiers against the Laos team and ensuring discipline, professionalism and performance on the pitch, continuing to reflect the pride and spirit of the country.
We respect the ongoing procedures and believe that this process will bring a fair and transparent result. This is an important moment for Malaysian football.
Harimau Malaya remains united and determined, standing side by side with the players, coaches and staff. We move forward with purpose and determination".
According to Malaysian press, coach Peter Cklamovski will have to adjust personnel, prioritizing the use of many domestic players.
However, the team still has a number of naturalized players with valid records such as Dion Cools, Daniel Ting, Corbin-Ong, Stuart Wilkin, Endrick, Ezequiel Aguero or Romel Morales, Paulo Josue, ...
With FAM still less than 10 days to file an appeal, the absence of key forces has put Malaysia in a difficult position.
However, the whole team still affirmed their determination to win against Laos in the 2 matches on October 9 (away) and October 14 (home).
