Southeast Asian fans collectively reacted when Malaysia received a 'critical blow' from FIFA.

Supporters throughout Southeast Asia voiced their opinions simultaneously after FIFA uncovered Malaysia's involvement with seven players falsifying paperwork.

In the early hours of October 7 (Vietnam time), the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) officially released a series of evidences confirming that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) engaged in falsifying naturalization documents for seven players. The list includes Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

According to the documents submitted by FAM, these players supposedly had at least one parent born in Malaysia—a key requirement for naturalization. However, FIFA’s investigation revealed that all original birth certificates prove they were born and hold citizenship in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Spain.

On social media, football fans across Southeast Asia actively commented on this news:

One fan joked: “FIFA doesn't realize those seven players have Malaysian blood because… they once received blood donations from Malaysian citizens.”

Another fan from Indonesia stated: “Indeed, FIFA has taken action, but the AFC will be the one to impose specific penalties. Hopefully, this time they will treat Vietnam fairly.”

Meanwhile, another supporter compared Indonesia and Malaysia, noting both national teams pursue naturalizing players: “Indonesia has done it properly and everyone must acknowledge that. They waited patiently and followed strict procedures, unlike Malaysia’s rapid and mass approach.”

Another fan expressed no surprise about the news: “Honestly, I’m not shocked at all. There were already many suspicious signs before.”

The issue drew attention following the Malaysia vs. Vietnam match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. FIFA also publicly shared detailed naturalization records, including the date FAM submitted the application and the official complaint date, identified as June 11, 2025.

This information has truly shaken the Southeast Asian football community, especially as Malaysia’s team recently made significant progress thanks to their naturalization policy. The seven accused players were key contributors to Malaysia’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Vietnam.

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