Football Association of Malaysia hit with disciplinary action by FIFA

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was fined CHF 350,000 by FIFA

FIFA sanctions have shaken Malaysian football after the world governing body discovered that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players used forged documents to participate in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which enforces the organisation’s rules and maintains fair play across global football, determined that these actions violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC). This article specifically deals with forgery and falsification, making it clear that any manipulation of official documents to gain eligibility is a serious offence.

FIFA has imposed sanctions on the Football Association of Malaysia and seven players after they used forged documents to play in the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.The FAM has been fined CHF 350,000, while the players have each received a 12-month ban.#FIFA #AFC… pic.twitter.com/UqOTrchqn4

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 26, 2025

Also Read: International Rival Watch: Malaysia

Why was Malaysia sanctioned?

The investigation began after Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, 2025. FIFA received complaints regarding the eligibility of several players who took part in the match.

The seven players implicated are Facundo Garces, Gabriel Arrocha, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

FIFA found that FAM submitted eligibility enquiries using doctored documents to field these players. By doing so, the association and players breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits forgery and falsification of official documents.

The committee concluded that both the players and FAM knowingly violated the rules, prompting the imposition of significant sanctions.

Sanctions imposed by FIFA

Following regular proceedings, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee evaluated all evidence on file and has imposed the following sanctions.

• The Football Association of Malaysia has been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 350,000 to FIFA.
• The players Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano have each been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 2,000 to FIFA.
• The aforementioned players have been further sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities, effective from the date of notification of the decision.

Additionally, FIFA referred the question of the players’ eligibility to the FIFA Football Tribunal for further consideration. Both FAM and the players have ten days to appeal the decision, which would then be reviewed by the FIFA Appeal Committee.

Impact on Malaysian football

This sanction comes at a critical moment for Malaysia, who currently top Group F with six points from two wins. Vietnam and Laos follow with one win and one loss each, while Nepal has yet to earn any points. Key players like Figueiredo and Holgado had scored in the victory, highlighting their influence on the pitch.

Malaysia is set to face Laos in Vientiane on October 9 and then host the same opponents in Kuala Lumpur on October 14. With seven players suspended, the Harimau Malaya’s squad depth and strategies for these matches could be significantly affected.

With inputs from FIFA press release..