KUALA LUMPUR — Johor regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has challenged his critics to take legal action if they believe there is evidence of wrongdoing over the controversial eligibility of several players linked to Malaysia’s naturalisation saga.
Responding to a social media post accusing him of being responsible for alleged falsification in the case, the Johor prince dismissed the criticism and urged detractors to pursue the matter in court.
“Agreed! I have a better suggestion. Take me to court with whatever evidence. Please,” he wrote on X.
Setuju! Saya ada cadangan yang lebih baik. Beramai ramai take me to court with whatever evidence. Please. https://t.co/gT6c5mAGde
— HRH Crown Prince of Johor (@HRHJohorII) March 5, 2026
The remark was in response to a user who alleged that he should be held accountable for the controversy involving claims of falsified heritage documents tied to certain players.
The issue resurfaced after the Court of Arbitration for Sport recently ruled to ease sanctions imposed on seven naturalised Malaysian players. While the players remain suspended for 12 months from official matches, the court allowed them to continue participating in non-competitive football activities.
The ruling followed an earlier decision by FIFA, which found that falsified documentation had been submitted in relation to the players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia. The global governing body also imposed a fine of about RM1.8 million on the Football Association of Malaysia.
The controversy has continued to fuel debate among fans and commentators over the naturalisation process and the integrity of documentation used to establish Malaysian ancestry for foreign-born players. — March 6, 2026