Administrative error or cheating? Explaining the document forgery crisis that rocked Harimau Malaya
How falsified ancestral documents exposed a failure in Malaysian football governance
SHAH ALAM - It was supposed to be Malaysia’s sporting shortcut to glory.
Instead, the pursuit of seven so-called 'heritage players' has blown up into the country’s largest ever football scandal.
When FIFA confirmed in late September that the players were registered using falsified ancestral documents, the fallout was swift, hitting the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) with massive fines and player suspensions.
Here is a breakdown of the monumental administrative failure that rocked Malaysian football, the specific documents that were faked and the high cost of bending international eligibility rules.
What are ‘heritage players’ in this case?
In mid-2025, Malaysia sought to strengthen its national squad by introducing several foreign-born footballers who claimed Malaysian heritage via grandparents. These players were meant to be registered as ‘heritage players’ under FIFA eligibility rules and featured in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, including a key match against Vietnam on June 10.
The players concerned are:
- Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
- Facundo Tomas Garces
- Rodrigo Julian Holgado
- Imanol Javier Machuca
- Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo
- Jon Irazabal Iraurgui
- Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano
What did FIFA investigate and what was found?
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee examined documents submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) that purported to show that each player had a grandparent born in various states of Malaysia.
However, when FIFA obtained the original birth certificates from foreign registries, they discovered mismatches.
For example, one foreign grandparent born in Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain (Maria Belen Concepcion Martin) was claimed to be from Malacca in the documents filed; another born in The Hague, Netherlands (Hendrik Jan Hevel) was purported to have origins in the Malacca Straits Settlements.
FIFA's report found that:
- The alteration of birthplaces in ancestral birth certificates was deliberate.
- FAM submitted these altered documents, replacing foreign birthplaces with Malaysian locations.
- A critical revelation came from Malaysia’s National Registration Department (JPN). JPN admitted it had never received the original foreign certificates. Instead, it issued Malaysian-style copies using what it called “secondary information,” unable to produce the original handwritten records.
FIFA concluded that this was not mere clerical error but a “form of cheating,” stating that the falsified heritage proofs were used to “illegally and successfully enjoy the consequences” by fielding the players in an official international match.
Sanctions imposed
On September 27, FIFA imposed penalties:
- FAM was fined CHF 350,000 (about RM1.8 to RM1.9 million).
- All seven players were fined CHF 2,000 (roughly RM 10,500-RM11,000).
- The seven players were suspended from all football activities for 12 months, effective from the date of notification.
The verdict cited a breach of Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (which deals with falsification of documents).
Malaysia’s response and dispute
FAM has rejected some of FIFA’s characterisations, calling several of them “inaccurate and unfounded.” FAM maintains there is no proof that the players “obtained or were aware of fake documents.”
FAM’s version is that an “administrative error” occurred when a staff member uploaded documents from an agent rather than the official records from JPN. The association insists all seven heritage players “are legitimate Malaysian citizens.”
An appeal is being prepared. FAM claims it has “all supporting evidence and documents complete and ready for immediate submission.” Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has stated that the issue is “technical in nature and outside its jurisdiction.”
Why it matters: Integrity, eligibility and broader implications
This case highlights the tension between ambition in international football and the need for rigorous documentation. Several implications stand out:
- Administrative Failure: FIFA’s finding that JPN never received original documents but only “secondary information” suggests serious flaws in how FAM and civil registration agencies cooperate to validate ancestral claims.
- Reputational Damage: The judgment, regardless of appeal, undermines trust among fans, pundits, and potential sponsors.
- Sporting Consequences: With seven players suspended, Malaysia must reshape its squad for upcoming tournaments. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) may also challenge or void match results and qualification points earned.
- Legal Precedent: The case will likely lead to stricter scrutiny for other national associations in future heritage applications and may demand administrative reforms in how citizenship verification and sports federation processes interact.
What lies ahead
FAM has three days from when it was notified of the decision to lodge an appeal and five more days to file its brief.
The appeal will likely centre on reducing sanction severity rather than opposing the findings themselves, given how FIFA tends to uphold factual findings while sometimes moderating penalties.
Malaysia will need to produce original, verified documents from JPN or other official bodies to challenge FIFA’s claims.
There is also possible involvement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in reviewing any competition or tournament implications, such as match-results, points or qualification.
Key dates
FAM has a short window to lodge an appeal and file its full brief. The appeal will likely centre on reducing the severity of the sanctions rather than opposing the factual findings.
To challenge FIFA’s claims, Malaysia will need to produce original, verified documents from JPN or other official bodies. The final decision will mark a crucial turning point for Malaysian football governance.
- June 10: Match played against Vietnam using the players whose eligibility was later challenged.
- Sept 26–27: FIFA officially sanctioned FAM and the seven players.
- Oct 7: FAM received the full written decision and stated its intent to appeal.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
