FIFA has ordered the overturning of three international matches involving Malaysia after ruling that the country fielded ineligible players, a decision that is now drawing close attention in Nigeria as the Super Eagles await the outcome of a separate eligibility complaint.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed on Wednesday that FIFA awarded 3–0 defeats against Malaysia in three fixtures affected by the violations.
The annulled results include wins recorded in international friendly matches against Palestine and Singapore, as well as a draw against Cape Verde.
Following an investigation, FIFA suspended seven players found to have submitted falsified documents claiming Malaysian ancestry, a requirement for eligibility under international football regulations.
The affected players — Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Joao Brandao Figueiredo — were ruled ineligible after FIFA established that none had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia.
In addition to the sporting sanctions, FIFA imposed a further fine of $12,500 on the Malaysian FA, adding to a previous $440,000 penalty already handed down in the case.
The investigation was launched after a complaint was filed following Malaysia’s 4–0 victory over Vietnam in a June Asian Cup qualifier, a match in which two of the suspended players scored.
The ruling has heightened interest in Nigeria, where the Nigeria Football Federation has submitted a formal complaint to FIFA alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players during their 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against the Super Eagles — a tie the Leopards won on penalties and which has now become the subject of intense scrutiny.
