KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has clarified it has no jurisdiction over allegations of forged documents involving seven naturalised footballers, leaving the controversy to be settled between the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and FIFA.
MACC said its preliminary checks, including meetings with the Home Ministry and the National Registration Department (JPN), found no offences under the MACC Act 2009.
“Based on our initial review, this issue is related to technical processes and does not fall under MACC’s jurisdiction. No elements of corruption have been identified,” the agency said in a statement today.
MACC added they will not communicate with FIFA on the matter, stressing that FAM must resolve the dispute directly with world football’s governing body.
The statement comes in the wake of FIFA’s decision on Friday to sanction FAM and seven heritage players after determining that their nationality documents had been falsified.
The punishments included hefty fines and suspensions, while FAM was ordered to pay 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.85 million).
The case has stirred intense debate in Malaysia, with Malaysia Corruption Watch warning the scandal goes beyond sport and could damage the country’s reputation for governance and transparency.
FAM has insisted it acted in good faith and had secured prior clearance for the players’ registrations, vowing to appeal FIFA’s ruling.
MACC urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the ongoing resolution process to take its course. — September 28, 2025