Overview
- FIFA’s written grounds say investigators obtained original foreign birth certificates contradicting copies submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia, calling the use of falsified documents “a form of cheating.”
- Sanctions now in force include a CHF350,000 fine on FAM and 12‑month suspensions plus CHF2,000 fines for seven foreign‑born players who featured in the 4-0 win over Vietnam on June 10.
- FAM disputes the findings, asserts the players are legitimate Malaysian citizens, labels the issue an administrative error and has lodged an immediate appeal using government‑certified paperwork.
- FIFA noted Malaysia’s National Registration Department did not receive original records and issued copies from secondary evidence, while the home minister told parliament the players were naturalised under lawful discretion and that birth certificates are not required for citizenship.
- The Asian Football Confederation says it will wait for the appeal outcome before acting, leaving Malaysia’s Vietnam result at risk and forcing a changed squad for today’s qualifier against Laos.