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Malaysian fans celebrating after Harimau Malaya scored a goal during a home match against Laos on Oct 14.
ST PHOTO: LU WEI HOONG
- FAM was sanctioned by FIFA for falsifying birth certificates of seven naturalised players, potentially overturning Malaysia's Asian Cup qualifying wins.
- South-east Asian countries are increasingly naturalising foreign-born players to qualify for the expanded World Cup, raising questions about identity and youth development.
- Indonesia is halting naturalisation to focus on youth development; while Malaysia faces criticism, with the FAM secretary-general suspended.
AI generated
KUALA LUMPUR/BANGKOK/JAKARTA - As Malaysia set about sweeping aside footballing minnows Laos in front of a half-empty Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Oct 14, there was a palpable sense that proceedings were being largely overshadowed by off-field distractions.
World football governing body Fifa sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on Sept 26 for allegedly falsifying birth certificates used to register seven naturalised players who had played in previous matches. It could ultimately lead to some of Malaysia’s wins in Asian Cup qualifying being overturned and the team missing the 2027 tournament altogether – and recriminations have only just begun.
