FIFA can still sanction Malaysia regardless of international court ruling in 7 naturalized players scandal

The reputation of the FAM remains at stake as the organization used its final legal avenue, hoping to turn the case around. Despite an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), reports from Malaysian media indicate that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are closely monitoring FAM.

"FIFA and AFC maintain the authority to temporarily dissolve the current FAM leadership and establish a committee to overhaul the federation’s governance, regardless of the CAS outcome," Malaysian channel Astro Arena reported.

This channel has contacted AFC Secretary General Windsor Paul John, who highlighted that such interventions have historical precedents in nations like Indonesia, Kuwait and Brunei. The contemporary committee will be responsible for identifying governance shortcomings and proposing corrective measures, after which FAM could elect a new leadership.

Malaysian players train at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Nov. 17, 2025. Photo by MalaysiaNT

Previously, FIFA imposed a ban on Indonesian football in June 2015, following a prolonged dispute between the government and the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) over which teams were eligible to compete in the national league. The Indonesian government suspended PSSI's operations. Third-party interference prevented Indonesian football from participating in the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers. It was not until May 13, 2016 that FIFA lifted the ban and restored PSSI's membership.

The case of Malaysia is similar. The AFC secretary general stated that all national teams, from U12 upwards, and clubs would be unable to compete outside Malaysia, while domestic leagues would remain in operation.

"This is a situation that no nation wants to happen," Windsor said.

The second scenario involves the proactive resignation of the FAM leadership. This would allow for the formation of a temporary committee tasked with improving shortcomings based on findings from the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) and FIFA’s disciplinary reports. FAM has the right to invite the AFC to conduct an investigation.

Another option is for FAM leadership to agree with the appointment of a new group, provided they are not affiliated with the association, before a mass resignation. However, both approaches require the presence of a secretary general, with professional support from FIFA and AFC, to clean up FAM's image.

Malaysia (in yellow) beat Nepal 1-0 inthe 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Nov. 18, 2025. Photo by MalaysiaNT

The scandal originated in September 2025 when FIFA determined that FAM used forged naturalization documents for seven players, included Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Gabriel Palmero, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel. These players were featured in Malaysia’s two wins in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The violation resulted in a 350,000 Swiss franc fine for FAM, while the involved players received a 12-month ban from football and individual fines. FIFA has already declared several of Malaysia’s friendly matches as 0-3 forfeits due to the inclusion of these ineligible players.

While FIFA has already acted on matches within its jurisdiction, the AFC is currently withholding final judgment on Asian Cup qualifying matches against Nepal and Vietnam. The AFC is reportedly waiting for the CAS ruling before determining if those results will also be overturned.

However, the CAS hearing schedule for January 2026 does not include any cases involving Malaysia, as the court is busy handling other disputes.

"No FAM officials, Malaysian clubs, or domestic cases are scheduled for CAS hearing, and there is no indication that any such case is pending," New Straits Times wrote.