MALAYSIAN football was rocked by their biggest scandal after FIFA fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil) over falsified documents involving seven mixed-heritage players, who were suspended for 12 months.
Friendly wins were overturned, and with a CAS appeal pending, FAM face possible Asian Cup qualifying sanctions, casting a shadow over 2026.
• Mixed heritage players: Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Facundo Garces
• Timeline
Sept 25: FIFA sanction FAM and seven mixed-heritage players over falsified eligibility documents, imposing fines and 12-month suspensions.
Sept 27: FAM announce they will appeal FIFA’s decision, maintaining the documents are genuine.
Oct 6: FIFA publish a detailed report outlining alleged document falsifications.
Nov 3: FIFA Appeal Committee dismiss FAM’s appeal and uphold the sanctions.
Nov 18: FIFA release motivated decision explaining the appeal dismissal.
Dec 8: FAM file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Dec 16: Independent Investigation Committee recommend FAM lodge a police report for a full criminal probe.
