Hope has been rekindled for Nigeria after FIFA sanctioned Malaysia for fielding ineligible players, overturning three matches with 3–0 defeats.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed on Wednesday that FIFA imposed the sanctions following an investigation into player eligibility. The affected results include friendly wins over Palestine and Singapore, as well as a draw against Cape Verde.
FIFA also suspended seven players who were found to have submitted forged documents falsely claiming Malaysian ancestry. The players are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Joao Brandao Figueiredo.
In addition to an earlier $440,000 fine, FAM will pay an extra $12,500 as part of the latest punishment.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint after Malaysia’s 4–0 victory over Vietnam in June during an Asian Cup qualifier, a match in which two of the suspended players scored. FIFA concluded that none of the players had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, a key requirement for national team eligibility.
The development comes as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has petitioned FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players in their 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against the Super Eagles.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties in the African play-offs and are now preparing for the intercontinental play-off final, as Nigeria await FIFA’s decision on the complaint.
