Johor Regent denies Vietnam filed FIFA complaint against Malaysia

By Hieu Luong October 25, 2025 | 06:32 pm PT

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail (left) speaks with head coach Peter Cklamovski before Malaysia’s training session in Johor on March 20, 2025. Photo courtesy of FAM

Johor Regent and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) President Tunku Ismail Idris says he does not believe the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) was the party that filed the complaint leading to FIFA’s sanctions on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized players.

FIFA issued the sanctions after receiving a complaint on June 11, one day after Malaysia beat Vietnam 4–0 in Asian Cup 2027 qualifying. Some within Malaysia had speculated the complaint came from Indonesia or Vietnam. Acting FAM President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi had previously mentioned Vietnam by name.

However, Tunku Ismail said the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) informed him the complaint did not originate from either the President or Secretary General of VFF.

"It is strange that FIFA accepted a complaint from someone else," he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 25.

The Regent held the briefing at FAM’s request, following public scrutiny over the naturalization of the seven players, who are currently facing a one-year playing ban. Tunku Ismail is widely seen as the key figure in recruiting foreign-born talent to boost the national squad, though he said he only provided support and was not directly involved in player selection.

"I don’t think FIFA will overturn the decision, but maybe the punishment could be reduced," he said, adding that FAM’s legal team is exploring all options.

Three of the sanctioned players: Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal, are part of JDT. The other four play at clubs in Argentina, Colombia and Spain, and have also been suspended for one year following FIFA’s ruling in September.

Tunku Ismail argued the players obtained Malaysian nationality through legal procedures verified by the National Registration Department (NRD), and should not be blamed.

"If the government confirmed the documents were valid, then they are Malaysians and have the right to represent the country," he said. "We should be focused on solving the issue, not pointing fingers."

He also disagreed with FAM’s decision to suspend Secretary General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman during the investigation, saying unity is needed before assigning responsibility. FAM has said the suspension was intended to demonstrate to FIFA that Malaysia is taking corrective steps.

Tunku Ismail, born in 1984, is considered one of the most influential figures in Malaysian football. Under his leadership, JDT has won 11 consecutive league titles since 2014.

"I have faced criticism for 13 years," he said. "If blaming me helps someone sleep better at night, I accept it with an open heart."