Malaysia football federation to appeal FIFA's ban on 7 naturalized players

Midfielder Hector Hevel (number 13) plays in Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia, on June 10, 2025. Photo by Malaysia NT

"FAM will be filing an appeal and will pursue all available legal avenues to protect the interests of the players and the national team," FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi said in a statement, as quoted by The Star.

FAM emphasized that it "acted in good faith with full transparency" throughout the naturalization process. All documents related to the registration of the naturalized players were submitted according to FIFA guidelines and this governing body initially confirmed the eligibility of the players.

"We will continue to work closely with the Malaysian Government and all stakeholders to ensure the process remains transparent, fair, and true to the spirit of sportsmanship," Mahadi added.

FIFA issued the sanction on Friday, fining FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (US$438,700). Each of the seven players, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal (Spain), Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca (Argentina), Joao Figueireido (Brazil), and Hector Hevel (Netherlands), was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football-related activities for 12 months. The players were naturalized based on claims of heritage from their grandparents.

All seven players participated in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup. Hevel and Palmero debuted in Malaysia’s 2-0 win over Nepal in March, while the remaining five played in the 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. Following these matches, FIFA received a complaint regarding their eligibility. After reviewing the case, FIFA determined that FAM had allegedly submitted falsified documents to allow the players to compete.

FAM now has the right to appeal to FIFA within 10 days, requesting a full explanation. If the appeal succeeds, the decision will be updated on the FIFA Disciplinary Committee website.

Currently, FAM is managed by acting President Yusoff Mahadi, following the resignation of Joehari Ayub on Aug. 22, reportedly due to health concerns.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, the FIFA ruling could severely impact Malaysia’s campaign in the 2027 Asian Cup final qualifying round.

According to New Straits Times, the sanctions could see Malaysia stripped of their two most recent Asian Cup qualifying victories, with both results overturned to 0-3 defeats. disqualification from the tournament, temporary bans from international competitions, or restrictions on the naturalization of players.

The case has also been referred to FIFA's Football Tribunal for a final ruling.