Malaysia is at risk of being banned by FIFA until 2027, will the victory over Vietnam be canceled?

Malaysia - Photo 1.

Malaysian football is at risk of being punished by FIFA after naturalization violations - Photo: FAM

The New Straits Times recently reported that an Indonesian football expert has made shocking accusations about the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). He said that the country could face a FIFA ban until 2027, for violating rules on naturalization of players.

According to expert Justinus Lhaksana, also known as Coach Justin, FAM "circumvented the law" in the process of naturalizing South American players by using fake genealogical documents.

He claimed on YouTube channel HY Sport that Malaysia has been suspended by FIFA until 2027, although there has been no official confirmation from the organisation or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as of yet.

Justin Lhaksana added that Malaysia is still allowed to participate in the Southeast Asian U23 Championship, because this tournament is not recognized by FIFA.

Mr Justin accused FAM of bringing five players who played in Brazil into the national team under the guise of having Malaysian heritage. "FAM claims they have Malaysian heritage. If it is true, it should be easy to prove with documents," he said.

The comments appeared to refer to the decision to use five naturalized players of foreign origin - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado - in the 4-0 win over Vietnam on June 10.

The expert also compared it to Indonesia, claiming that his country adheres to strict rules on genealogical verification.

"In Indonesia, we trace the player's genealogy back two to three generations, with birth certificates and everything," he said.

However, the AFC has dismissed any speculation of a brewing scandal. On 4 July, AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul dismissed any suggestion that Malaysia was being investigated for fielding an ineligible player, confirming that no complaints had been received regarding the June 10 match.

FAM through its Secretary-General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman also denied all allegations, stressing that the federation has fully complied with international guidelines and has not received any communication from FIFA or AFC.

At present, it is still unclear whether Malaysia's victory over Vietnam was affected or not and whether FAM can provide enough evidence to refute these allegations. All information must wait for FAM and FIFA to officially speak up.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/malaysia-nguy-co-bi-fifa-cam-den-nam-2027-co-huy-tran-thang-viet-nam-20250721163907738.htm