UNDIGNIFIED. Unprofessional. Unethical.
These were just some of the kinder reactions to FIFA’s (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) verdict over Malaysia’s naturalised players fiasco on social media.
The world governing body for football had even more damning indictment directed at the national body Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) – “it’s cheating.”
For those still not in the know, the coffeeshop chatter of late has centred around the controversy of Malaysia fielding seven naturalised players who appear to have been hastily registered based on documents of dubious origins.
The fall-out has been spectacular with many Malaysians demanding accountability for the humiliation to the reputation of Malaysian football.
Leading the chorus of disapproval is former DAP stalwart and United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) chairman Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy who has demanded the resignation of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for their perceived failure in this shameful episode.
While Yeoh was busy directing FAM to prepare their appeal, many commenters took aim at the Segambut MP for letting this episode come to pass.
The calls for accountability were loud and clear with one observer asking if the minions will be made to answer for the failings of those higher up the chain.
The sense of embarrassment was also palpable with some commenters sharing same choice words for those responsible for tarnishing the country’s image.
More pertinently, it showed the state of affairs when documents pertaining to a person’s citizenship could be falsified.
It was also pointed out that the whole charade was easily uncovered with a simple check with the respective authorities in the relevant countries which clearly showed that the claims of grandparents being born in Malaysia to be false.
It was a matter of integrity, lamented this observant commenter.
Another commenter insinuated corruption in high places to allow “citizenship being doled out for free”.
That the topic was also received wide coverage in international media highlights severity of the charges. In fact, any football fans from across the region could not help but pour scorn on what they perceived as underhand tactics to gain an advantage.
On ASEAN FOOTBALL’s Facebook platform, the derision was clear for all to see. Some called for Malaysia to be banned from international competition and have its membership to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) revoked.
One commenter perhaps summed up his disgust best when he deadpanned that he wanted a refund for the money spent on match ticket as well as for the burger and mineral water consumed!
There are a few things to note from this sorry incident.
Firstly, that FIFA could so easily verify that the players ancestors had NO links to this country seem to show a typical lax attitude – even in forging documents and making false claims.
Does this sound typically Malaysian? It must be quite a shock that FIFA did not just put a suspended sentence ala DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal) for this wrongdoing.
Secondly, much has been said about accountability. Just who is going to take the can for this very embarrassing episode? Will any politicians or FAM big wigs ever own up to bringing shame to the country?
Thirdly, football is supposed to be a reflection of the society it represents. Judging from the many comments, it only points to a society that it is corrupt and rotten to the core. – Oct 8, 2025
Main image credit: ASEAN FOOTBALL/Facebook
