KUALA LUMPUR — Home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has defended the naturalisation process of Malaysia’s footballers, saying every step was carried out in line with the law despite FIFA’s decision to sanction the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven national players.
“I want to stress that every decision to grant citizenship is made under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution,” Saifuddin said in a Facebook video today.
“The naturalisation process is very thorough and layered — complete documents are examined, interviews are conducted, biometrics are taken, and comprehensive verification is carried out.
“The main requirement is the applicant’s physical presence in Malaysia, not simply applying from abroad. All decisions are made in accordance with the proper procedures and the law,” he said.
His comments came after FIFA fined FAM CHF350,000 (RM1.8 million) and suspended seven naturalised players for 12 months, citing falsified documentation used to confirm their eligibility in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said her ministry “takes FIFA’s decision seriously” but urged patience while FAM pursues its appeal.
“The priority now is for FAM to complete the appeal process through FIFA and international legal channels. The impact of this case extends beyond the seven players — it affects our entire national team,” she said in a statement.
“Just like the many thousands of Harimau Malaya fans out there, I too am saddened and angry reading about FIFA’s decision. Let’s not jump the gun, allow the appeal process to be completed and then we take it from there,” she added, stressing that her ministry remains committed to safeguarding all athletes, whether cycling ace Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, shuttlers Pearly Tan and M Thinaah, diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg, Gabriel or Rodrigo.
The players named in FIFA’s ruling are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional chief whip and former FAM vice-president Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said Malaysians were right to be angered by the scandal, calling it “an unprecedented embarrassment” that tarnished the country’s reputation on the international stage.
He urged FAM’s leadership to take full responsibility and pressed for an independent and transparent investigation to restore public trust. — September 27, 2025