Top News

Timeline of Malaysia naturalized players saga:

– March 19, 2025: FAM asked FIFA to verify the eligibility of Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano, providing a birth record claiming his grandfather was born in Melaka, Malaysia.

– March 20, 2025: FAM filed a similar request for Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, citing a document showing his grandmother was born in Melaka.

– March 24, 2025: FIFA replied that Hevel “appears eligible” based on submitted documents.

– June 6, 2025: FAM submitted files for five additional players, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueireido, and Jon Irazabal, each with a grandparent’s birth certificate claiming Malaysian origin (Penang, George Town, Johor, or Sarawak).

– June 6–9, 2025: FIFA replies that the five players also “appear eligible.”

– June 10, 2025: All seven players debuted in Malaysia’s 4–0 win against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

– June 11, 2025: FIFA receives a formal complaint from a member association questioning the legitimacy and the players’ naturalization process.

– Aug. 22 & 28, 2025: After investigation, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee opened formal proceedings, citing violations of Article 22 of the FIFA Code.

– Aug. 22, 2025: FAM President Joehari Ayub resigns, citing health reasons.

– Sept. 22, 2025: FAM and the players submit formal responses, arguing they acted in good faith based on documents validated by Malaysian authorities.

– Sept. 25, 2025: FDC Vice Chairman Jorge Palacio issues the final disciplinary ruling.

– Sept. 26, 2025: FIFA officially notifies FAM and the players of the decision and sanctions.

– Oct. 6, 2025: FIFA sends a detailed 19-page report outlining its legal basis, investigation process, and reasoning.

– Oct. 15, 2025: Malaysia files an official appeal against FIFA’s sanctions.

– Oct. 30, 2025: Appeal ruling expected.

– Nov. 3, 2025: FIFA rejects Malaysia’s appeal.

– Dec. 8, 2025: Malaysia files an appeal against FIFA to CAS.

– Dec. 17, 2025: FIFA handed Malaysia 0-3 defeats in three friendly matches against Cape Verde, Singapore and Palestine.

– Dec. 18, 2025: Malaysia finalizes its detailed arguments and submits them to CAS.

– Jan. 26, 2026: CAS suspends FIFA’s ban on seven naturalized players until the final verdict.