FIFA's final ruling on suspension of 7 Malaysia naturalized players reportedly delayed

By Trung Thu November 1, 2025 | 02:30 am PT

Malaysian media indicated that the decision of FIFA on seven suspended naturalized players may be delayed, as it is requesting further clarification on documents.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had stated at a press conference on Oct. 17 that it expected the appeal results to be announced on Oct. 30 or 31.

However, according to Scoop, the decision is likely to be postponed.

It also reported that the FIFA Appeal Committee (FAC) has requested further clarification on documents related to the players' bloodlines, which FAM submitted in its appeal. The committee is said to be taking a cautious approach given the scale and impact of the case. While the final verdict is pending, Scoop noted that "the chances of a full acquittal are very slim."

Center-back Facundo Garces (yellow jersey) during the 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on June 10, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Tu

On Friday, Argentine media revealed details of the birth certificate of the grandfather of center-back Facundo Garces, one of the seven naturalized Malaysian players who were suspended for one year starting from Sept. 26. Local newspaper Capital de Noticias reportedly obtained the certificate and it showed that Garces' grandfather was born in Argentina instead of Malaysia.

The accuracy of the information has not been verified, but it has spread widely on social media.

"Malaysia's FIFA appeal faces uphill battle after Argentine revelation," Malaysian newspaper The Star wrote.

After the appeal result, FAM has 10 days to submit an application to FAC for a detailed appeal record. They then have 21 days to submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The average processing time of a CAS case in the period 2019-2024 was about 5.7 months.

Malaysia are still allowed to play the next matches in 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where they are currently top with 12 points after four matches. However, according to the rules, they could be punished with a 0-3 defeats for using ineligible players against Nepal and Vietnam in earlier matches.

The final decision will be made by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the organizer of the Asian Cup. AFC secretary general Windsor John Paul said the process will not last beyond March 31, 2026, when the qualifiers end, so that the confederation can determine the final results.