FIFA Overturns Three Matches Over Players’ Eligibility As Super Eagles Wait

FIFA has sanctioned Malaysia with three 3–0 losses in three matches after the team was found guilty of fielding ineligible players.

This was confirmed by the Football Association of Malaysia, FAM, on Wednesday.

The results involved includes victories in friendly matches against Palestine and Singapore and a draw with Cape Verde.

FIFA suspended the seven players who submitted forged documents claiming they had Malaysian ancestry.

The FAM, who were previously hit with a $440,000 fine, will pay a further $12,500 as part of their punishment.

FIFA began the investigation after receiving a complaint following Malaysia’s 4-0 win against Vietnam in June in an Asian Cup qualifier, a game where two of the seven affected players scored.

The investigation revealed that none of Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, or Joao Brandao Figueiredo had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, a requirement for selection to a national team.

This comes as the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, have sent a complaint to FIFA insisting the Democratic Republic of Congo used ineligible players for their 2026 World Cup qualifying game.

The Leopards beat the Super Eagles in the African play-offs via penalties and are getting ready to play in the intercontinental play-off final.