OFFICIAL: FIFA imposes heavy sanctions on Malaysia for illegal naturalization in the match against Vietnam National Team

FIFA has formally announced sanctions on Malaysia and seven players who were illegally naturalized in the game against Vietnam’s National Team.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized players faced severe punishments after FIFA discovered forged documents were used to field them during a crucial Asian Cup qualifying match — specifically the 4-0 victory over Vietnam’s National Team in June 2025.

FIFA stated that its disciplinary committee found the Malaysian Football Association guilty of violating Article 22 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, involving forgery and fraud. The governing body revealed that counterfeit documents were submitted to verify the eligibility of these naturalized players in the match against Vietnam’s National Team.

“All seven players were included in Malaysia’s squad for the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in Saudi Arabia on June 10, after FIFA received complaints regarding the eligibility of Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel,” FIFA reported.

FIFA further noted that the eligibility of these players representing Malaysia’s National Team has been referred to the Football Tribunal for additional review. This decision can be appealed to FIFA’s Appeal Committee.

“FAM and the players have been notified of the disciplinary committee’s ruling today. Under the relevant FDC provisions, they have ten days to request a reasoned decision, which, if requested, will be published on legal.fifa.com,” FIFA’s statement read.

Additionally, FIFA’s disciplinary committee fined the Malaysian Football Association 350,000 CHF (Swiss francs, over 11.5 billion VND) and suspended all football activities for 12 months involving seven players: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano. Each player also received an individual fine of 2,000 CHF (over 66 million VND).

However, it remains unclear how FIFA and the AFC will handle the match result, where Vietnam lost 0-4, significantly impacting both teams' chances to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. It is undeniable that the Malaysian team’s success heavily involved these naturalized players.