Deepening Malaysian football scandal resurfaces debate in S-E Asia over naturalised players

As Malaysia set about sweeping aside footballing minnows Laos in front of a half-empty Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Oct 14, there was a palpable sense that proceedings were being largely overshadowed by off-field distractions.

World football governing body Fifa sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on Sept 26 for allegedly falsifying birth certificates used to register seven naturalised players who played in previous matches. It could ultimately lead to some of Malaysia’s wins in Asian Cup qualifying being overturned and missing the 2027 tournament altogether – and recriminations have only just begun.

Click here to read article