tags - Sinar Daily

Malaysia should avoid being sentimental about fielding a fully local Harimau Malaya squad, as limited MFL playing time is restricting the development of international-level talent. Photo: Facebook

This photo taken on June 5, 2026 shows merchandise of Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal -- football teams that will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 -- at the All Star Partner factory in Yiwu in eastern China's Zhejiang province. - (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP)

TMJ addressed the controversy over FAM’s dispute with FIFA on the eligibility of seven ‘heritage players’ in a press conference on Oct 25. - Photo: Bernama

Critics and football pundits believe ending the dependency on foreign-born players and addressing issues from the bottom up is the way forward. - Bernama file photo

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the incident reflected a new and worrying trend in which individuals who voiced critical views become vulnerable to retaliation, including violence.

The seven national heritage footballers have admitted that their claim to Malaysian ancestry is generally based on family hearsay rather than verified records, according to the 63-page motivated decision released by world governing body FIFA. - Photo: FACEBOOK / FAM

Last month, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history when he netted twice against Hungary to reach 41 goals, overtaking retired Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz's 39. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Pixabay

At the AFC Awards Night on Oct 17 in Riyadh, Arif made history as the first Malaysian nominated for the AFC Player of the Year, finishing third. Photo: Johor Southern Tigers's Facebook page.

Uruguay's Argentine head coach Marcelo Bielsa watches his players from the touchline during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Chile and Uruguay at the Julio Martinez Pradanos Nacional stadium in Santiago on September 9, 2025. (Photo by Rodrigo ARANGUA / AFP)

FAM stressed that the International FIFA's decision on Malaysia’s heritage players presented an inaccurate account of the issue. - BERNAMA FILE PIX