FIFA 'brain-numbing' with Southeast Asian football: Malaysia's illegal naturalization case not yet resolved, now it's Indonesia's turn to complain

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has officially filed a complaint with FIFA and AFC regarding the incident in which fans were prevented from entering the stadium during the match against Saudi Arabia.

Indonesian fans discriminated?

While the International Football Association (FIFA) is still handling the case of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding the controversial naturalization of players, another "trouble" is coming from the Southeast Asian region. According to regional media, PSSI has sent a complaint file with documents, evidence and videos to request FIFA and AFC to intervene, to clarify the incident of Indonesian fans being blocked at the stadium gate during the match with Saudi Arabia on October 9.

According to the Indonesian side, many fans presented valid tickets but were not allowed to enter the stadium, leading to chaos and causing great anger. PSSI emphasized that this is not only a matter of match security, but also a story about respect and fairness for fans, especially when Indonesia is playing away from home. In the match against Saudi Arabia, the Southeast Asian representative lost 2-3.

Indonesian fans at King Abdullah Stadium

PHOTO: REUTERS

PSSI believes that some Indonesian fans were not allowed to enter the stadium despite having valid tickets.

PHOTO: REUTERS

As for Indonesia, the archipelago nation still has a slim chance of making it to the 2026 World Cup. Coach Patrick Kluivert's team must win the match on October 12 against Iraq to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

FIFA resolves two Southeast Asian football issues at the same time

After losing to the host team, the Indonesian team's chance to go to the World Cup is now very slim.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Indonesian football is a prime example of the success of the naturalization policy. They are the only representative of Southeast Asia to reach the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers in a record 48-team tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.

The Malaysian press also assessed that Indonesia's outstanding success in recent times, especially the team's progress in continental tournaments and maintaining good form in the World Cup qualifiers, has partly created a "competitive effect" that forced Malaysia to speed up its strategy of naturalizing players. However, it was this "hastiness" that indirectly led to the naturalization scandal that has shaken Asian football in recent days.

Malaysian officials ask FAM to speak up, fans 'ashamed of shocking scandal'

As of the morning of October 11, there is still no sign that FAM has submitted an appeal to FIFA regarding the case of 7 illegally naturalized players that is causing a stir in public opinion.

Malaysian football is facing a major crisis due to the naturalization scandal.

PHOTO: NGOC LINH

However, according to Bernama news agency, a senior FAM official said that the appeal plan – if it goes ahead – will focus on proving the legality of the players’ citizenship. At the same time, FAM is expected to clarify the filing process with the Malaysian National Registration Department, to confirm that the naturalization process is in accordance with domestic laws.

The New Straits Times also quoted this information, saying that FAM is preparing additional documents and evidence to serve the explanation process with FIFA, in an effort to protect the image and interests of Malaysian football amid the storm of criticism.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/fifa-buot-oc-voi-bong-da-dong-nam-a-chua-xong-vu-malaysia-nhap-tich-lau-den-luot-indonesia-khieu-nai-185251011114935705.htm