FIFA has sanctioned Malaysia with three 3-0 forfeits after the country fielded foreign-born players using forged documents claiming Malaysian ancestry, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced on Wednesday.
The forfeits affect friendly matches played at home this year: victories against Palestine and Singapore, and a draw with Cape Verde, which have all been overturned.
Previously, FIFA suspended seven foreign-born players for presenting falsified documents to qualify for the Malaysian national team.
The players involved are Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Brandao Figueiredo.
FIFA’s investigation found that none of them had a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, a mandatory requirement for national team eligibility.
Two of the players had scored in the affected matches.
In addition to match forfeits, Malaysia faces a $12,500 fine on top of the $440,000 penalty previously imposed by FIFA.
A disciplinary committee ruling on Friday confirmed the 3-0 losses.
The scandal first emerged after a complaint was lodged following Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in June.
FAM, however, has denied any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
