World football body voids Malaysia results for ineligible players, while Nigeria awaits a ruling on its protest over Congo’s World Cup qualifier review.
FIFA has overturned the results of three international matches involving Malaysia after ruling that the Asian nation fielded ineligible players, a decision that has intensified scrutiny over player eligibility cases worldwide as Nigeria awaits a separate verdict.
The global football governing body imposed three automatic 3–0 defeats on Malaysia, annulling wins over Palestine and Singapore and a draw against Cape Verde. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed the sanctions on Wednesday.
According to FIFA, seven players were found to have submitted forged documents claiming Malaysian ancestry, a key requirement for representing a national team under FIFA eligibility rules. All seven players have now been suspended.
The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint following Malaysia’s 4–0 victory over Vietnam in June during an Asian Cup qualifier. Two of the sanctioned players scored in that match, prompting concerns that ultimately led FIFA to open a broader review of player documentation.
FIFA’s findings concluded that none of the affected players — Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Brandao Figueiredo — had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, disqualifying them from international selection.
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In addition to the match forfeits, FIFA imposed a further fine of $12,500 on the FAM. The association had already been fined approximately $440,000 earlier in the process, underlining the financial and reputational cost of the violations.
The ruling comes as attention turns to Africa, where the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has submitted a complaint to FIFA alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players during their 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter.
That dispute carries major competitive implications. Congo defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles on penalties in the African playoffs and is now preparing for the intercontinental playoff final, where a World Cup berth is at stake.
Nigeria is seeking clarity on whether the match outcome could be overturned, similar to the sanctions imposed on Malaysia. FIFA has not publicly indicated a timeline for its decision.
Eligibility disputes have become an increasingly sensitive issue in international football, with federations under pressure to verify player records amid rising movement of dual-nationality athletes.
FIFA has repeatedly warned that falsifying documents or misrepresenting eligibility will result in strict penalties, including match forfeitures, fines, and player suspensions.
For Nigeria, the Malaysia ruling may offer precedent — but until FIFA delivers its verdict, the Super Eagles remain in limbo.
