FIFA Sanctions Malaysia FA and Seven Players for Forged Documents — Nepal and Vietnam Set to Gain Points

Kuala Lumpur, October 2025 — FIFA has officially sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven Malaysian national team players for using forged and falsified documents to gain eligibility for international competition. This decision has significant implications for Nepal and Vietnam, who could gain points in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

FIFA Ruling and Sanctions

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee found that FAM and the players violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (Forgery and Falsification) by submitting falsified documents.

• Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been fined CHF 350,000.

• Each of the seven players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vítor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Héctor Alejandro Hevel Serrano — has been fined CHF 2,000 and suspended from all football activities for 12 months.

• Fines must be paid within 30 days of notification.

FAM may appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee within three days, followed by submission of the full appeal brief within five days. If necessary, the case can be escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.

Players Involved and Real Birthplaces

FIFA’s investigation revealed that birth certificates were doctored to show Malaysian birthplaces instead of the players’ actual origins:

1. Gabriel Felipe Arrocha (María Belen Concepción Martín) — Listed: Malacca, Malaysia; Actual: Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain 🇪🇸

2. Facundo Tomás Garcés (Carlos Rogelio Fernandez) — Listed: Penang, Malaysia; Actual: Santa Fé de la Cruz, Argentina 🇦🇷

3. Rodrigo Julián Holgado (Omar Eli Holgado Gardon) — Listed: George Town, Malaysia; Actual: Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷

4. Imanol Javier Machuca (Concepción Agueda Alaniz) — Listed: Penang, Malaysia; Actual: Roldán, Argentina 🇦🇷

5. Joao Vítor Brandão Figueiredo (Nair de Oliveira) — Listed: Johore, Malaysia; Actual: Abre Campo, Brazil 🇧🇷

6. Jon Irazabal Iraurgui (Gregorio Irazabal y Lamiquiz) — Listed: Kuching, Malaysia; Actual: Viscaya, Spain 🇪🇸

7. Héctor Alejandro Hevel Serrano (Hendrik Jan Hevel) — Listed: Malacca Straits Settlements, Malaysia; Actual: The Hague, Netherlands 🇳🇱

Both Héctor Hevel and Gabriel Felipe Arrocha featured in Malaysia’s 2–0 victory over Nepal in March 2025. Hevel also scored against Nepal in Malaysia’s 2–0 win, marking his debut.

Impact on Nepal and Vietnam

According to Section 56 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, fielding ineligible players results in:

• Match forfeiture

• Fine of at least USD 1,000 per player

As Malaysia fielded multiple ineligible players, matches against Nepal (2–0 loss) and Vietnam (4–0 loss) could be forfeited, awarding 3–0 victories to the opponents. This means Nepal and Vietnam could gain points, significantly impacting Group F standings.

The AFC has confirmed it is awaiting FIFA’s final decision before taking action. The coming weeks are crucial for determining whether Malaysia’s results are overturned or upheld.

FAM’s Official Response

FAM issued a statement confirming receipt of FIFA’s judgment and intention to appeal:

“All documents and supporting evidence have been prepared and verified according to established procedures. At all times, the players acted in good faith, relying on the verification carried out by FAM. Allegations of document falsification are inaccurate and will be addressed through the formal appeal process.”

FAM also emphasized that sensitive government documentation remains protected under Malaysia’s Official Secrets Act 1972 and Passports Act 1966.

Next Steps

1. FIFA Appeal Committee will review the case.

2. CAS (Switzerland) may issue a final, binding decision.

3. AFC will assess potential point adjustments, fines, or further sanctions once FIFA concludes.

For Nepal and Vietnam, the potential 3–0 match forfeits could reshape the Group F standings, giving both teams an unexpected opportunity to climb the table and strengthen their bids for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

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