FIFA changes the results of three matches in Malaysia following a player eligibility scandal

FIFA has annulled the results of three matches in Malaysia after finding the team had fielded ineligible players, the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) said on Wednesday, in the latest setback for the team amid a widening document falsification scandal.

FIFA had suspended seven naturalized players for 12 months and fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs ($439,257) in September after finding that false documentation had been used to allow them to play in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in June.

World football’s governing body last month rejected an appeal by FAM and said it would launch a formal investigation into the association’s internal activities and notify authorities in five countries of possible criminal charges.

In response, FAM said it would take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In its latest decision, FIFA’s disciplinary committee also changed the results of three friendly matches in which the players had participated, handing out 3-0 defeats in matches against Cape Verde on May 29, Singapore on September 4 and Palestine on September 8, FAM said.

The association has also been fined 10,000 Swiss francs. Malaysia drew 1-1 against Cape Verde and recorded 2-1 and 1-0 wins over Singapore and Palestine.

“FAM will submit a written request to obtain the reasons for the decision from FIFA’s disciplinary committee before considering the next steps in this matter,” the association said.

Outside business hours, FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The scandal has sparked an uproar in Malaysia, with fans and some lawmakers calling for action against FAM and government agencies responsible for granting citizenship to the players.

Last month the association suspended its secretary general and formed an independent commission to investigate what it called a “technical error”.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed full transparency in domestic investigations, but stressed that the FAM must be able to defend itself.

Published on December 17, 2025