Eligibility Scandal Rocks Malaysia's Squad Ahead of Asian Cup Qualifier

Malaysia's football team is embroiled in an eligibility scandal as seven players face suspension over falsified documents, impacting their Asian Cup qualifiers. The incident follows efforts to strengthen the squad with naturalised foreign talent but echoes past controversies, leaving the team's World Cup dreams precarious.

Malaysia's national football team is grappling with significant player absences as they prepare to face Laos in Thursday's Asian Cup qualifier. Coach Peter Cklamovski heads a drastically altered lineup following a FIFA suspension of seven naturalised players due to documentation discrepancies.

The absence of players such as Gabriel Palmero and Facundo Garces is a significant blow, with some facing 12-month bans. This eligibility scandal has disrupted the squad's momentum, which had been bolstered by strong performances against teams like Nepal and Vietnam.

Malaysia's strategy of recruiting from abroad faced scrutiny, particularly as they watched neighbouring Indonesia succeed with similar methods. Efforts led by Tunku Ismail Idris now shine a light on past and potential future controversies as Malaysia's football aspirations hang in the balance.

(With inputs from agencies.)