Key developments in FIFA’s sanction against Malaysia
– March 19, 2025: FAM submitted a request to FIFA to verify the eligibility of Hector Hevel, along with a birth certificate stating that the player’s grandfather was born in Melaka, Malaysia.
– March 20, 2025: FAM submitted a further request to verify the eligibility of Gabriel Palmero, supported by a birth certificate indicating that his grandmother was born in Melaka, Malaysia.
– March 24, 2025: FIFA responded to FAM that, based on the documents received, Hector Hevel “appeared to be eligible” to play for the Malaysian national team.
– June 6, 2025: FAM submitted additional documentation for five other players, including Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, and Jon Irazabal. Each file included a birth certificate of a grandparent stating they were born in a Malaysian state (Penang, George Town, Johor, or Sarawak).
– June 6 and 9, 2025: FIFA sent written responses confirming that, according to the documents provided by FAM, the remaining five players also “appeared to be eligible.”
– June 10, 2025: All seven naturalized players featured in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam at Bukit Jalil Stadium. Malaysia won 4-0, with Figueiredo and Holgado scoring.
– June 11, 2025: FIFA received an official complaint from a member association questioning the validity of the players’ naturalization documents, particularly the unusually rapid completion process and debut timeline.
– Aug. 22 and 28, 2025: Following an investigation, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee (FDC) formally opened disciplinary proceedings against FAM and the seven players, after determining that the original birth certificates showed their grandparents were born outside Malaysia, in violation of Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
– Aug. 22, 2025: FAM president Joehari Ayub submitted his resignation, citing health reasons.
– Sept. 22, 2025: FAM and the players submitted their official responses, arguing that they had acted in good faith based on documents certified by Malaysian authorities.
– Sept. 25, 2025: Jorge Palacio, vice-chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, issued the final ruling on the case.
– Sept. 26, 2025: The decision and sanctions were formally communicated to FAM and the players concerned.
– Oct. 6, 2025: FIFA sent a detailed 19-page document to FAM and relevant parties, outlining the legal basis, investigative process, and reasoning behind the sanctions.
– Oct. 15, 2025: Malaysia filed an appeal against FIFA’s sanctions.
– Nov. 3, 2025: FIFA’s Appeals Committee announced the outcome of the appeal.
– Dec. 8, 2025: Malaysia lodged a case against FIFA with CAS.
– Dec. 18, 2025: Malaysia submitted its full, detailed legal arguments to CAS.
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