Malaysia's National Team Criticized for 'Fleeing to Thailand' Amid Illegal Naturalization Scandal

Turbulence engulfs Malaysia's team before facing Vietnam, with FAM's silence and controversies around naturalized players causing significant discontent.

Before the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam on March 31, Malaysian football unexpectedly heats up due to harsh criticism from former star Datuk Jamal Nasir. The legend expressed anger at the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for nearly no updates on the team amid the crisis.

According to Mr. Jamal Nasir, fans feel abandoned without clear information about the national team's preparation. He emphasized that the investigation involving naturalized players should not halt the entire team's operations, and he asserted: "Football belongs to the people, not to any individual." This is also the most controversial issue in Malaysia right now.

The tension stems from a scandal involving seven naturalized players: Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Gabriel Palmero, and Rodrigo Holgado. FIFA banned this group for 12 months due to allegations of forging documents to qualify for the national team, casting uncertainty over Malaysia’s future just before crucial matches.

However, the case is still unresolved as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued a suspension of the ban pending an appeal hearing scheduled for February 26. While awaiting the final verdict, the players’ legal status keeps Malaysia’s coaching staff and fans on edge, creating an unstable atmosphere around the team.

Moreover, Jamal Nasir criticized rumors that the team planned to train in Bangkok, Thailand, to avoid the domestic media. He angrily questioned: "Why does the team have to run away from fans and the press? The audience is fed up because you provide them with no information at all." He believes transparency is more crucial now than ever.

In related developments, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that the seven players are currently only eligible to play at club level while awaiting CAS’s final decision. AFC Secretary General Windsor John Paul stated: "It has been decided that these seven players are not permitted to play for the national team." This means Malaysia risks lacking manpower when facing Vietnam.

Amid the uncertain future of the naturalized players, Jamal Nasir believes the management must update the team’s status to maintain fans’ trust. He stressed that supporters remain interested in the performances of Arif Aiman, Syihan Hazmi, Faisal Halim, and other players, asserting: “Fans deserve to know what is happening.”

With the scandal unresolved and CAS’s ruling still pending, Malaysia enters the match against Vietnam with many questions about squad strength and internal stability. The pressure now extends beyond the pitch to how FAM handles the media crisis, as fan trust becomes the biggest challenge for the national team.

​