OFFICIAL: The Football Association of Malaysia receives a severe penalty from the AFC

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially penalized Malaysia for violating organizational rules, as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) readies its decision regarding the fraudulent naturalization controversy.

Malaysian football is going through one of its darkest periods in history as it continually faces sanctions from international governing bodies. Beyond administrative errors, the country’s reputation is severely damaged by questions surrounding integrity and transparency.

Recently, the AFC imposed a fine of $1,250 USD on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). The penalty was due to FAM submitting a late application to host a friendly match between Timor Leste and Negeri Sembilan FC (scheduled for November 9, 2025), violating Article 11.1 of the Regulations on International Matches.

Notably, the AFC emphasized: “The defendant submitted the licensing application late. This marks the fourth violation during the probation period.”. Repeatedly committing the same fundamental error while under disciplinary observation reveals weaknesses in FAM’s administrative management, forcing the AFC to tighten enforcement measures.

While the AFC’s sanction serves as a warning, the scandal involving seven players falsifying documents to gain citizenship is truly a "shockwave." The players, including Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, and four others, are accused of fraud to qualify for the "Harimau Malaya" national team.

Previously, FIFA fined FAM a huge sum of 1.8 million ringgit and suspended the involved players from football activities. FIFA concluded this was a “serious breach of Article 22 of the Disciplinary Code regarding document falsification.”. Although the players are currently allowed to play under a suspension stay, all eyes are now on February 27, 2026 — the date CAS will announce its final ruling.

If CAS rejects FAM’s appeal, the consequences will be devastating. The AFC could use the ruling to annul results and award Malaysia 0-3 losses in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Vietnam — matches where Malaysia fielded these "illegally naturalized" players.

Attempting to "take shortcuts" to strengthen the national team will not only cost Malaysia heavily financially but also tarnish Southeast Asian football’s reputation internationally. As the local newspaper Harian Metro lamented: “The price of transparency in Malaysia is becoming far too cheap.”. The country’s image has been stained, leaving a wound that will be difficult to heal after this shocking scandal.