FIFA Hands Malaysia Three 3–0 Losses for Fielding Ineligible Players

 

By Oriontimes Sports Desk | December 18, 2025

World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned Malaysia after finding the country guilty of fielding ineligible foreign-born players with forged documentation in official matches.

As part of the punishment, FIFA awarded three 3–0 losses against Malaysia in the affected fixtures and imposed an undisclosed financial fine on the Malaysian Football Association (FAM).

According to FIFA’s disciplinary ruling, investigations revealed that several foreign-born players were improperly registered and featured using fraudulent eligibility documents, in violation of FIFA statutes governing player nationality and registration.

“Fielding ineligible players undermines the integrity of the game,” FIFA said in its ruling, stressing that strict compliance with eligibility regulations remains non-negotiable for all member associations.

The sanction means the three matches in question have now been officially recorded as 3–0 defeats, a decision that could significantly affect Malaysia’s standing in the competition involved, particularly in qualification scenarios.

The Football Association of Malaysia is yet to issue a detailed public response but is expected to comply with the ruling or explore the option of appeal within FIFA’s stipulated timeframe.

FIFA has, in recent years, intensified scrutiny around player eligibility, especially cases involving naturalisation and nationality switches, as part of broader efforts to protect fairness and credibility in international football.

The development serves as a strong warning to football federations worldwide on the consequences of breaching eligibility rules.