KUALA LUMPUR — FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to visit Malaysia later this month for the 47th Asean Summit, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and its player naturalisation scandal.
The visit, confirmed by a source close to the matter and reported by Bernama, comes shortly after FIFA imposed sanctions on FAM and seven naturalised players in response to allegations of falsified citizenship documents. This has ignited widespread calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the matter.
“This visit was planned earlier, but the timing is certainly delicate. Infantino’s presence will inevitably highlight how Malaysia and ASEAN address governance and integrity issues in football,” the source explained.
During his trip, Infantino is expected to witness the signing of a significant Asean football development agreement, aimed at strengthening grassroots football, infrastructure, and coaching throughout Southeast Asia.
Additionally, he will visit the National Training Centre (NTC) in Putrajaya and the Football for Schools programme in Kelana Jaya — initiatives focused on education and community involvement through the sport.
However, the visit arrives at a time when the Malaysian football scene is under intense scrutiny. The scandal has drawn international attention, with global media outlets listing it among the top sports stories. Locally, the controversy has become a litmus test for Malaysia’s transparency and credibility.
Despite the ongoing fallout, some industry insiders view Infantino’s visit as a chance for Malaysia to rebuild its relationship with FIFA and reaffirm its commitment to good governance and reform.
The 47th Asean Summit, under the theme “Inclusion in Sustainability,” will take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, with participation from regional leaders and key international partners, including United States President Donald Trump. — October 21, 2025