Indonesia suspected of influencing FIFA's heavy sanctions on Malaysia

Journalist Zulhelmi Zainal of TV channel Astro Arena posted on his X account which has nearly 50,000 followers on Thursday: "There are rumors that some foreign forces are trying to sabotage the Malaysia national team because they are afraid of the rise of the Malayan Tigers. These forces are said to have close ties with the highest level of FIFA leadership."

The post gained significant attention after FIFA's announcement on Friday to slap a one-year ban on seven naturalized Malaysian players and fined the Football Association of Malaysia 350,000 Swiss francs (US$438,700) for falsifying their documents at the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The players are Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal (Spain), Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca (Argentina), Joao Figueireido (Brazil) and Hector Hevel (Netherlands).

Football Association of Indonesia president Erick Thohir (L) and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Indonesia on Dec. 18, 2024. Photo by Instagram/@gianni_infantino

Zainal's post has fueled intense online disputes between Malaysian and Indonesian football communities. Indonesian media outlet Akuratco reported that some fans interpreted the message as hinting at Indonesia’s involvement in this sanction. A widely circulated image even linked Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) president Erick Thohir with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, implying a connection suggested by Zainal.

Thohir, 55, who was recently appointed Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports and also serves as PSSI president, is a billionaire businessman with a net worth of $3.6 billion, according to Forbes. Thohir previously owned Inter Milan from 2013 to 2018 and has been seen with Infantino at multiple international events.

FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed that FAM used falsified documents to naturalize seven players. Beyond fines, the sanctions affect clubs in Malaysia, Spain, Argentina, Colombia and the Netherlands, which lose key players mid-season.

Malaysia risk forfeiting their 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers for using these players. AFC regulations said that if even one ineligible player participates, a 3-0 win may be awarded to the opponent, potentially eliminating Malaysia from the tournament.

Vietnam could benefit, as the remaining Group F opponents, Nepal and Laos, are ranked lower, and only the group winner advance to the main event next year.

Indonesian media had raised concerns about Malaysian player documentation since June, particularly regarding defender Facundo Garces, who allegedly claimed Malaysian ancestry through a grandmother. Rumors at the time suggested that FIFA and AFC might sanction Malaysia.

New Straits Times noted that the debate over Malaysian players’ eligibility is unprecedented and highly unusual, with fans struggling to recognize players or recall their backgrounds.

FIFA rules permit naturalization if a player can prove five years of continuous residence or ancestry through parents or grandparents. Federations must submit full documentation to FIFA Legal Committee for approval before a player is allowed to compete.