KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) has drawn a firm distinction in the controversy surrounding the ineligible “seven players” naturalisation issue in Malaysian football, saying it sees no element of corruption, but instead points to possible abuse of power in the National Registration Department (NRD)’s citizenship approval process.
MCW president Jais Abdul Karim said the matter should not be viewed as bribery or financial misconduct, but rather as an administrative lapse involving the exercise of authority in granting citizenship linked to sporting eligibility.
“Honestly, I do not see any element of bribery, but there is an element of abuse of power by NRD,” he told Scoop when met.
“We used that authority under the excuse of Malaysia’s interest, but in reality, it brought harm to Malaysia rather than serving the country’s interest.”
His remarks come amid continued scrutiny over the eligibility of several naturalised or heritage players who previously represented the national football team, following questions over documentation and citizenship approval processes.
The controversy reportedly involved seven players classified under naturalised or heritage eligibility rules, with concerns raised over whether proper procedures were followed in verifying their citizenship status for international competition.
The issue triggered widespread debate over governance, transparency, and regulatory oversight in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
In a reported outcome of the case, Malaysia was subsequently sanctioned by international football authorities, including a ban from the next Asian Cup cycle and other disciplinary measures linked to player eligibility breaches.
The development sparked concern within the local football fraternity and intensified calls for stricter governance standards.
However, no formal finding of corruption has been established against FAM or the players involved, with the matter largely treated as a regulatory and compliance issue.
Jais said that NRD is likely to have learned from the controversy and would exercise greater caution in future citizenship applications linked to sports representation.
“I believe the NRD has learned from the case of the seven national team players and they will not repeat the same mistake,” he said.
He also urged FAM to reconsider its reliance on naturalised and heritage players, arguing that it risks undermining long-term local player development.
“The foreign player quota has damaged the Malaysian football system,” he said.
He added that the heavy reliance on imported talent has limited opportunities for local players to build sustainable careers and regain consistent public support for the national team.
Jais also pointed to salary disparities as a structural issue affecting Malaysian football, saying many local players leave the sport due to low wages despite having the ability to compete.
“When players are given salaries that are not appropriate, they tend to move away to other jobs even though their skills are very good,” he said.
“They cannot compete with foreign players, even low-level ones. Foreign players at a similar level are paid RM10,000, while locals are paid RM5,000. That is not fair,” he said.
He called for structural reforms to create a more balanced and sustainable football ecosystem, including clearer policies on player recruitment and wage structures. – May 15, 2026