Thai media is buzzing over Malaysia's naturalization scandal

Thai media widely reports on Malaysia being sanctioned by FIFA for using illegally naturalized players.

Regional football is shaken by shocking news as The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been heavily fined by FIFA for using forged documents during the player naturalization process.FIFA has decided to fine FAM 350,000 Swiss francs and ban seven naturalized players from competing for 12 months. This case is considered unprecedented in Southeast Asian football.

Siam Sport reported that the banned seven players include Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Olgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irarrazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Evel Serrano. They are accused of using fake documents to qualify for Malaysia's national team in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Notably, all seven participated in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June, a result that shocked Vietnamese fans at the time.

Siam Sport emphasized that this incident not only damages the image of Malaysian football but also serves as a warning to other countries in the region using naturalization policies. The newspaper cited FIFA’s statement that “the players’ eligibility will continue to be reviewed by the FIFA Football Tribunal” and that FAM may appeal within 10 days.

Not only the media but also Thai social networks are stirred by this case. In the comments under Siam Sport’s post, many Thai fans expressed surprise that Malaysia could use forged documents in an official tournament. One user wrote: “Winning 4-0 against Vietnam with all naturalized players, now it’s clear why they were so strong.”. Another commented: “Without these seven players, Malaysia would hardly have beaten Vietnam by such a large margin.””. Some also suggested this incident will make associations in the region more cautious: “This is a costly lesson, not only for Malaysia but for all Southeast Asia.”.

Thai football experts believe this sanction could lead to deeper investigations into Malaysia and might directly affect the results of matches already played. At the same time, it serves as a warning for countries in the region to thoroughly review their naturalization processes to avoid similar violations in the future.