FIFA's Appeal Committee has postponed its ruling on the suspension of seven naturalized players for the Malaysian national team, originally expected on October 30 or 31. The delay stems from requests for further clarification on eligibility documents amid a leaked report questioning one player's heritage. Malaysian officials have condemned the leak as unverified and damaging to the ongoing appeal process.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) anticipated the FIFA Appeal Committee's decision on October 30 or 31 following a press conference on October 17. However, reports from Malaysian media outlet Scoop indicate the verdict is likely delayed, with the committee seeking additional details on the players' bloodline documents submitted in the appeal. This cautious approach reflects the case's significant scale and potential impact on Malaysian football.
A key development emerged on October 30 when Argentine outlet Capital de Noticias published unverified documents suggesting that defender Facundo Garcés's grandparents and great-grandparents were born in Argentina or Spain, not Malaysia. If confirmed, this would violate FIFA's naturalization criteria. The information spread rapidly on social media and Southeast Asian news platforms, prompting concern from FAM.
Acting FAM President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi expressed shock at the leak, stating, "This is truly damaging, especially when we are awaiting FIFA’s appeal verdict." He emphasized that the documents remain unauthenticated and urged restraint: "We don’t know the source of this information, and it’s unfair to draw conclusions before an official decision is made." Malaysian newspaper The Star described the situation as "Malaysia's FIFA appeal faces uphill battle after Argentine revelation."
The seven players—Facundo Garcés, Imanol Machuca, and Rodrigo Holgado (Argentina); Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazabal (Spain); Joao Figueireido (Brazil); and Hector Hevel (Netherlands)—were banned for one year starting September 26, 2025, by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee for allegedly using falsified documents. They debuted for Malaysia in a 4-0 win over Vietnam on June 10, 2025, during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where Malaysia leads Group F with 12 points from four matches.
Despite the suspension, Malaysia can continue playing qualifiers, but faces potential 0-3 forfeits for matches against Nepal and Vietnam. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will finalize standings after FIFA or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) resolves the appeal, with processing not extending beyond March 31, 2026. FAM has 10 days post-verdict to request detailed records and 21 days to appeal to CAS, which averages 5.7 months for cases from 2019-2024. A full acquittal appears unlikely.
Timeline of the saga
- March 19-24, 2025: FAM submits eligibility verifications for Hevel and Palmero; FIFA deems them eligible.
- June 6-9, 2025: Submissions for five more players approved by FIFA.
- June 10, 2025: Players debut in 4-0 win vs. Vietnam.
- June 11, 2025: FIFA receives complaint on legitimacy.
- August 22-28, 2025: Disciplinary proceedings opened.
- September 22-26, 2025: Responses submitted; bans announced.
- October 6, 2025: FIFA sends 19-page report.
- October 15, 2025: FAM appeals.
- October 30, 2025: Expected ruling delayed.