Ensure compliance with FIFA regulations
In recent days, there has been a lot of information about Malaysia using inappropriate naturalized players in the 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The story emerged from Malaysian as well as Indonesian fans, claiming that some naturalized Harimau Malaya players do not meet FIFA regulations on origin or residence.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has had its first reactions to the news published by the regional press.
“Everything has been checked and accepted by FIFA,” FAM president Joehari Ayub stressed to the Malaysian press.
According to Mr. Joehari Ayub, every player selected to represent Malaysia must undergo a rigorous screening process conducted by FIFA.
“We are not joking around with this issue. FIFA has looked into everything and we at FAM are following the procedures and guidelines they have set,” said Joehari Ayub.
FAM's delay in releasing the profiles of naturalized players further added to the controversy.
Mr. Joehari Ayub explained that FAM has no reason to conceal or delay the disclosure of information regarding the status of these players.
Joehari Ayub responded: “If we want to disclose, there is no problem. But everything has been confirmed by FIFA. So we just need to follow the right channels and procedures.”
In the match against Vietnam , Malaysia fielded five newly naturalized players, including Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado.
These players immediately made important contributions to Malaysia, raising doubts about the legality of their naturalization. Some cases are suspected of having been in the country for less than 5 years.
Naturalize 6-10 more players
In a conversation with the New Straits Times , President Joehari said that FAM always prioritizes transparency and does not choose naturalized players indiscriminately, especially in cases related to international football regulations.
“If there was a problem or an incident, FIFA would not have approved it,” Joehari Ayub continued. “But in this case, everything has been approved.”
Meanwhile, Malaysian press said that FAM is even preparing for the second phase of naturalization, expected to "recruit" 6-10 new players.
Malaysia's plan is the path that Indonesia is taking: naturalizing players with Malaysian roots to serve the Malaysian team.
“Malaysia are expected to be stronger after news that the second group of naturalized players is likely to join in August 2025,” wrote Harian Metro.
“Sources close to the matter revealed that there are around six to 10 A-list players currently under scrutiny by the monitoring group,” the paper said.
The application process is in its final stages to ensure they can appear smoothly in the FIFA international competition in September 2025.”
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/malaysia-noi-gi-ve-tranh-cai-nhap-tich-sai-quy-dinh-fifa-2417327.html
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