Southeast Asian media erupted simultaneously over evidence of Malaysia's illegal naturalization.

Many newspapers across the region showed surprise following FIFA's disclosure of evidence regarding Malaysia Football Association's unlawful player naturalization.

On the evening of October 6, FIFA shocked the public by releasing files on seven Malaysian players who were naturalized illegally. According to the report, the documents for all seven players were altered before being submitted to FIFA. Specifically, FIFA's investigation revealed that the ancestors of these players were not from Malaysia but instead originated from: Gabriel Arrocha (Spain), Facundo Garces (Argentina), Rodrigo Holgado (Argentina), Imanol Machuca (Argentina), Joao Figueiredo (Brazil), Jon Iraurgui (Spain), Hector Hevel (Netherlands).

Southeast Asian media outlets then simultaneously reported on FIFA's "comprehensive investigation." Kompas published an article titled: "FIFA Investigation: FAM Fabricated Ancestral Data of Seven Naturalized Players."

"FIFA detected irregularities in the naturalization data of seven players after the Malaysia – Vietnam match on June 10, 2025. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee obtained original birth certificates of the players’ grandparents and confirmed none were born in Malaysia, contradicting the documents submitted by FAM,"the article further stated.

Thailand’s Khaosod reported: "FIFA issues statement on allegations of forged documents from Latin America and Europe." "The International Football Federation (FIFA) has announced sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia for falsifying documents for seven naturalized players. Evidence shows all individuals changed their place of birth from their native South America and Europe to Malaysia."

Thairath described this as a "shocking investigation for Southeast Asian football" and predicted that Malaysia might face severe consequences.

Cambodia’s Kampuchea Thmey expressed surprise when FIFA revealed evidence: "FIFA exposes a new shock: all seven Malaysian national team players involved in fraud."The paper also suggested the case would likely be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and noted that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) should further examine whether Malaysia violated regulations."

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