Malaysian fans react strongly as FIFA exposes 7 players with forged documents

Malaysian fans showed strong reactions online following FIFA's disclosure of proof that all papers confirming the Malaysian origin of 7 naturalized players were counterfeit.

In the early hours of October 7, FIFA officially released evidence demonstrating that the Football Association of Malaysia falsified naturalization documents for 7 players, including Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

These players were claimed to have grandparents born in Malaysia, but FIFA's verification showed that all original birth certificates indicated they were born in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Spain. The issue erupted after the Malaysia vs. Vietnam match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. FIFA also disclosed details about the naturalization application process and the official complaint filed on June 11, 2025.

On social networks, many Malaysian fans reacted strongly to FIFA's decision:

A fan named Meo Akid commented: "Congratulations to the Vietnam team on an impressive 3-0 victory! Well done!"

Meanwhile, a supporter named Fareez Ikhmal expressed disappointment at FIFA's move: "No more denials, FIFA was too strict and we have nothing to justify."

Another fan named Muhammad Aiman stated: ""FAM and the Malaysian team must answer for this... goodbye Asian tournament... I will turn my back on Malaysian football... hmm..."

Someone else said: "FIFA made the other team furious, ultimately shutting them down completely."

Another fan named Muhammad James Deen admitted: "Congrats to Vietnam, you deserved the win and the ticket to advance. We won but with no glory."

Notably, FIFA maintained the original sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia. After reviewing all evidence and arguments provided by FAM and the involved players, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee concluded there was sufficient basis to confirm document forgery. However, the organization did not mention whether to annul match results where these players participated, especially the 4-0 victory over Vietnam.

This matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), as the match was part of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Once FIFA’s decision takes effect, the AFC Disciplinary Committee will investigate, assess, and make the final ruling regarding the penalties for FAM's violations.

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