A major controversy has shaken Malaysian football after FIFA’s Appeals Committee handed 12-month suspensions to seven players involved in an eligibility dispute linked to alleged document falsification.
The ruling has drawn strong condemnation from FIFPRO, the global union representing professional footballers, who argue the punishment is excessively harsh and unfair.

The seven sanctioned players are:

Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
Facundo Tomas Garcés
Rodrigo Julián Holgado
Imanol Javier Machuca
João Vítor Brandão Figueiredo
Jon Irazabal Iraurgui
Héctor Alejandro Hevel Serrano

FIFA found that the documents used for their registration were fraudulent, triggering the one-year ban. However, FIFPRO insists the players were not responsible for producing or manipulating the documents and should not be punished for administrative errors committed beyond their control.

FIFPRO: Players Followed Procedure, Victims of Administrative Failure

In its official statement, FIFPRO stressed that the seven players complied with all necessary procedures and submitted the required paperwork properly. The issues arose in external administrative processes—delays and mishandling that eventually resulted in FIFA questioning the players’ eligibility.

FIFPRO condemned FIFA’s decision, arguing:

The punishment does not fit the alleged offense
The players acted in good faith
The true cause lies in bureaucratic lapses outside the players’ influence

The organization expressed hope that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will intervene, overturn the sanctions, and restore justice for the affected players.

FIFA’s Ruling Causes Shock in Malaysia

The case has become a national headline in Malaysia, with fans, clubs, and officials expressing concern over the long-term impact. A 12-month ban severely threatens the careers of the players, limits club performance options, and casts a shadow over naturalized players in the Malaysian football system.

The Malaysian FA (FAM) is also facing serious consequences.

FIFA has charged FAM under Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which covers document falsification and manipulation. The disciplinary body imposed:

A fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (approx. RM 7.2 million)
A one-year ban and 2,000-franc fines for each of the seven players

The case stems from the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match between Malaysia and Vietnam on June 10, 2025, where Malaysia fielded seven naturalized players whose documents were later deemed invalid.

Next Steps: The Case Moves to FIFA Tribunal

Despite the Appeals Committee upholding the punishments, the process is far from over. The players’ fate will now move to the FIFA Tribunal, the governing body’s internal arbitration and judicial system.

The Tribunal is responsible for resolving disputes involving:

Players and clubs
Club vs. club disputes
Agent-related conflicts
Eligibility and registration matters

In this case, the Tribunal will evaluate:

The players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia
The validity of the documentation used
Whether the 12-month suspension should stand

The Tribunal operates through three main divisions:

Disciplinary Committee members
Appeals Committee members
Players’ Status and Eligibility Committee members

Their decision will play a decisive role in determining whether the players can resume their international careers or whether the bans will remain in effect.

Conclusion: A Case That Could Shape Future Naturalization Procedures

The ongoing saga highlights significant flaws in administrative oversight within Malaysian football. While FIFA has acted based on regulatory breach, FIFPRO argues that the players themselves are collateral damage in a larger structural failure.

As CAS and the FIFA Tribunal prepare to review the matter, the footballing world waits to see whether justice will prevail or whether the seven players will be forced to serve a full year on the sidelines.

ALSO READ :