Fifa has exposed a scandal involving falsified naturalization documents for seven Malaysian national team players, implicating agents and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officials. The investigation report highlights three key figures and strong evidence like WhatsApp recordings. The case is sparking cross-border criminal probes.
The scandal over falsified naturalization documents for Malaysian national team players has resurfaced following Fifa's release of a 63-page investigation report on November 19, 2025. Findings indicate that the manipulation of foreign players' data goes beyond administrative violations, involving a structured network from agents to FAM insiders.
Fifa identifies three main actors: Nicolas Puppo and Frederico Moraes, two agents who prepared eligibility documents for seven foreign players, and Datuk Noor Azman Rahman, FAM's General Secretary who knew and participated in the administrative process. Evidence includes WhatsApp conversation recordings showing the creation of illegal documents, involving identities from Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Spain.
The seven affected players are Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel, and Jon Irazábal. Fifa rejected FAM's appeal against sanctions on them, as the players lack Malaysian lineage per Fifa regulations.
FAM has suspended Azman Rahman and formed an independent panel for internal review. However, Fifa stresses the need for further investigation. “Further investigation is essential to determine the extent of this practice and all those involved,” states the Fifa report. The scandal tarnishes Malaysian football's reputation and opens avenues for international criminal proceedings.