FIFA Bans Seven Players Over Forged Documents
FIFA has suspended seven Malaysian National Team players for 12 months after ruling they used forged or falsified documents to compete in an Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam.
The players — Gabriel Arrocha, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Héctor Hevel, and Facundo Garcés — were all fined 2,000 Swiss francs each.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was handed a 350,000 Swiss franc fine for submitting the doctored paperwork.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee said the players breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (forgery and falsification).
The case has been referred to the FIFA Football Tribunal, which will determine whether the players are ever truly eligible to represent Malaysia in future competitions.
The Players and Their Origins
Though registered as Malaysian Internationals, the sanctioned players have foreign backgrounds:
Jon Irazabal, Héctor Hevel, Gabriel Arrocha — Spanish roots
Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garcés — Argentine origin
João Figueiredo — Brazilian origin
FIFA investigations found inconsistencies in the documentation claiming Malaysian ancestry or heritage links, with officials concluding that falsification had taken place.
Countries and Parties Involved
Malaysia — whose National Federation faces fines and loss of credibility.
Vietnam — the opponents in the contested June 2025 qualifier, which Malaysia won 4–0.
Argentina, Spain, Brazil — countries of origin for the banned players.
Switzerland — where FIFA is Headquartered and the ruling was delivered.
Timeline of Events
June 6, 2025 — Malaysia beats Vietnam 4–0 in an Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, with all seven implicated players featuring.
Mid-June 2025 — Vietnamese and regional media raise concerns about the eligibility of Malaysia’s new recruits.
July–August 2025 — FIFA opens a probe into the players’ documentation.
September 25, 2025 — FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee rules against Malaysia: seven players banned, FAM fined.
September 26, 2025 — The FAM vows to appeal, insisting all players held valid Malaysian passports and clearance.
Impact and Possible Consequences
The bans, which take immediate effect, bar the seven players from representing Malaysia or playing for their clubs in any FIFA-sanctioned competition for one year. Malaysia’s qualification hopes for the 2027 Asian Cup have been thrown into uncertainty, with analysts warning of possible points deductions or even disqualification from the qualifiers if the FIFA Football Tribunal upholds the findings.
The scandal has dealt a major blow to Malaysia’s football image, raising serious questions about the Country’s player Naturalization process. FIFA emphasized that the ruling was a strong reminder to federations worldwide that forgery and nationality fraud will not be tolerated.
