Asian Football Confederation dismisses investigation into Malaysia's naturalized players

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has stated it has not received any complaints regarding Malaysia's alleged improper use of naturalized players.

"No information has been sent to the AFC," AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul told the Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times (NST). "Player eligibility falls under FIFA's jurisdiction."

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) General Secretary Datuk Azman Rahman said, "As of today (4/7), we haven't received any notification from FIFA or the AFC. We comply with all regulations. We deny all allegations."

Malaysian center-back Facundo Garces, originally from Argentina, plays in the 4-0 victory against Vietnam in the second leg of Group F of the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on 10/6/2025. Photo: Malaysia NT

The comments from Windsor Paul and Azman Rahman come amid speculation that Malaysia would be penalized for the alleged misuse of naturalized players. Indonesian media accused Malaysia of falsifying documents, particularly in the case of Argentine-born center-back Facundo Garces, who is said to have a Malaysian grandmother. This led to rumors that FIFA and the AFC would punish Malaysia, possibly even voiding the result of their match against Vietnam.

The group of naturalized players contributed significantly to Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup. Out of 7 naturalized players who gained citizenship since the beginning of 2025, 5 were in the starting lineup, with the rest coming off the bench. All four of Malaysia's goals involved these players, with Brazilian-born forward Joao Figueiredo opening the scoring and Argentine-born forward Rodrigo Holgado doubling the lead.

FIFA does not prohibit naturalization, provided players can prove they have lived continuously for 5 years in the country or demonstrate ancestry through their parents or grandparents. This criterion is similar to the naturalization laws of many countries, including Malaysia and Vietnam.

Federations must submit all required documentation to prove a player's eligibility. Players are only allowed to compete once FIFA's Legal Department approves. FAM President Datuk Mohd Joehari Ayub confirmed that all players have met the necessary procedures.

Malaysia's starting lineup against Vietnam included 9 players of mixed heritage. Top row, from left: Lavere Corbin-Ong (Barbados, England), Joao Figueireido (Brazil), Jon Irazabal (Spain), Dion Cools (Belgium), Facundo Garces (Argentina), and goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi. Bottom row: Arif Aiman (domestic talent), Nooa Laine (Finland), Hector Hevel (Netherlands), Rodrigo Holgado (Argentina), and Matthew Davies (Australia). Photo: Mainstand

"We follow the procedures and guidelines set by FIFA. We are not afraid to disclose anything if necessary," Ayub told the media on 30/6. "If there were any issues, FIFA would not approve the players to compete. In this case, everything was clarified and followed the correct process."

The decisive victory over Vietnam on 10/6 put Malaysia at the top of Group F in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup. With 6 points, they are three points ahead of Vietnam and Laos, with the final qualifying ranking based on head-to-head results.

Malaysia has four matches remaining: two against Laos, one against Nepal, and an away game against Vietnam on 31/3/2026.

The Malaysian national team will gather at the end of August to prepare for the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup. Malaysia will have the opportunity to face two Asian teams participating in the 2026 World Cup: Iran (ranked 18th by FIFA) and Uzbekistan (57th). The other 4 teams are Kyrgyzstan (103rd), Tajikistan (104th), Turkmenistan (142nd), and Afghanistan (160th). Seeding will be based on the FIFA rankings. Currently, Oman is ranked 77th, while Malaysia is 131st but is by default in the fourth group for invited teams.

Hieu Luong

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/ldbd-chau-a-khong-dieu-tra-malaysia-vu-cau-thu-nhap-tich-4910540.html