The Football Association of Malaysia scandal is now a big issue for people in Malaysia, and it will not end even if the FAM is subsequently successful in its appeal to Fifa, the world governing body.
The issue is about the granting of Malaysian citizenship to seven foreign footballers, and whether Malaysia issued or used fraudulent or forged documents regarding, amongst other things, possibly the proof of birth of the parents or grandparents of these footballers so that they satisfy the eligibility requirements of Fifa.
Fifa requires not just proof of nationality, but proof of other matters, including proof of other matters, including that the acquiring of a new nationality was not for the purpose of participating for Malaysia at international tournaments.
The Fifa disciplinary committee found that the FAM and/or the said players breached Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, which is the offence of forgery and falsification. This is also a serious crime in Malaysia.
Article 22 states, “forged a document, falsifies an authentic document or uses a forged or falsified document.” Article 22(2) also states: “An association or a club may be held liable for an act of forgery or falsification by one of its officials and/or players.”
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So, it is useless shifting blame to one FAM office bearer or the players.
Citizenship has strict requirements that must be met
When it comes to the issuance of citizenship by naturalisation under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution, there is that requirement, among others, that the applicant needs to have resided in Malaysia for an “aggregate of not less than ten years in the twelve years immediately preceding the date of the application” and “intends, if the certificate is granted, to do so permanently”.
Was this requirement even satisfied in this case?
Dual citizenship not allowed
The next issue is whether these foreign players, now allegedly Malaysian citizens, have already renounced their other national citizenship(s) they held, and now are only Malaysian citizens.
Malaysia does not allow Malaysian citizens to have dual citizenship, and this principle is clear having reference to Articles 23–25 of the Federal Constitution.
Birthplace of parents or grandparents not a requirement for Malaysian citizenship
The fact that your parent or grandparent was born in Malaysia or resided before in Malaysia is irrelevant in the consideration for the granting of Malaysian citizenship.
Only Fifa is interested in this as it does not want any national team to simply grant citizenship to foreign nationals so that they can play in tournaments representing Malaysia.
Some may argue that it has happened before, where foreigners have been given citizenship so that they can represent Malaysia, so what is the big deal now?
It was wrong then, and past wrongs are never a justification for committing the same crimes or wrongdoing again. In fact, as there is no limitation to criminal prosecution in Malaysia, these past crimes should now be investigated and the wrongdoers should be prosecuted in accordance with Malaysian law.
Independent investigation – not FAM or any ministry possibly involved
Thus, these are serious issues of citizenship and fraud or forged documents that ought to be now investigated or inquired into by an independent body or commission, maybe even a royal commission of inquiry, as it not only concerns the wrongdoings or crimes of the FAM but also implicates several ministries.
This independent body naturally ought not to include any FAM officials or even anyone from the two implicated ministries – being the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Home Affairs, including minister Hannah Yeoh and minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Attempts to lay blame on just some officials will not work
Thus, it was shocking to see that the FAM, not even the Ministry of Youth and Sports, seems to be conducting an investigation now. The FAM and the ministry should have investigated immediately when the allegations surfaced, certainly not now after Fifa already heard the matter and made a ruling.
It was reported:
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary Noor Azman Rahman has been suspended amid the ongoing controversy surrounding allegations that falsified documents were submitted to Fifa on the issue of naturalised players…
The general secretary will be suspended with immediate effect in order to allow the committee to carry out its duties,” he [FAM deputy president S Sivasundaram] told a press conference. – Free Malaysia Today, 17 October 2025
This is so wrong and unacceptable.
The investigation must be conducted by an independent committee or commission, and it ought not include any FAM officials or even anyone from the two implicated ministries.
We believe that the people of Malaysia would want a truly Malaysian team competing at international tournaments and not a team that comprises foreign nationals, who had questionably been granted Malaysian citizenship.
How sad for Malaysian players, who lost their spot to play for Malaysia, which was taken by these ‘new citizens of Malaysia’.
Amend Federal Constitution if you want to make foreign athletes Malaysian
If Malaysia wants to grant Malaysian citizenship to foreign athletes or sports persons, then the Federal Constitution need to be amended first to add in this ‘new way’ of making foreign national citizens.
The government should table the needed constitutional amendments in Parliament, and if passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, then foreign athletes can become Malaysian citizens. As it stands, even the home minister cannot on his discretion grant anyone citizenship – the law must be strictly complied with even by the minister or prime minister.
Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet), which is concerned with human rights and justice, hopes that this ‘football scandal’ will not simply be put to rest if and when Fifa allows the FAM’s appeal.
This is a serious issue that cannot be swept under the carpet. It must be investigated, and all wrongdoers, including even possibly ministers, should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Conduct independent inquiry now – no need to wait for Fifa’s appeal
Madpet calls for Malaysia to immediately set up an independent commission or committee of inquiry, including possibly a royal commission of inquiry to deal with this issue that affects everyone in Malaysia, especially when it involves creating new citizens, and the serious allegation of fraudulent or forged documents.
As the outcome of the appeal to Fifa is irrelevant, this commencement of an independent inquiry with a view to prosecuting all those criminally liable must start now.
Charles Hector issued this statement on behalf of Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet).
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
IMPORTED players are rewarded with instant scholarships to make them eligible to play for the country to win and bring glory for the country.
Unfortunately some in positions of power may have forgotten that the high remuneration packages and facilities as the imports come for financial rewards and not for any sense of loyalty or patriotism especially if they are allowed to have dual citizenship status and that they may leave the moment they may get higher remuneration packages.
The high costs on IMPORTS may be better used to develop local talent.
Just a thought.
Bless all