The seven players found in violation are Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazabal (Spanish origin); Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, and Imanol Machuca (Argentine origin); João Figueiredo (Brazilian origin); and Héctor Hevel (Dutch origin), according to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's announcement Friday might.
Malaysia naturalized these players under a mixed-race policy based on their grandparents and registered their information with FIFA. All seven featured in Malaysia’s 4–0 win over Vietnam in the second round of Group F in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup at Bukit Jalil Stadium on June 10, 2025.
"FIFA has received a complaint regarding the eligibility of these seven players," FIFA said in a statement. "FAM used forged documents to get them onto the field."
The governing body said it reviewed all the evidence and fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (US$438,700). Each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football-related activities for 12 months, effective Sept. 26.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has also referred the case to the FIFA Court of Arbitration for Football for further consideration. FAM and the players have been notified of the disciplinary decision.
FAM may appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee. They have 10 days to request a fully reasoned decision; if granted, it will be published on the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s website.
Further sanctions against FAM and the Malaysian team remain possible, potentially including a 0–3 forfeit loss to Vietnam in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, a tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
