FIFA's Decision Strikes a Blow Against Malaysia Amid Forgery Scandal

FIFA has annulled results from three Malaysia soccer matches due to ineligible players. This stems from a document forgery scandal involving naturalised players. FIFA's probe could lead to criminal proceedings across multiple countries. Malaysia plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In an unfolding scandal, FIFA has nullified results from three matches involving Malaysia, citing the inclusion of ineligible players, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced Wednesday.

The global governing body of soccer found that false documents allowed the participation of seven naturalised players in a June Asian Cup qualifier, leading to significant penalties. In September, FIFA suspended these players for a year and imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs on the FAM, which an appeal later failed to overturn.

FAM is set to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Amidst this backlash, the scandal has escalated with Malaysia facing not only a changed scoreboard for past matches but also potential criminal proceedings in multiple countries. The Malaysian Prime Minister promised domestic investigation transparency, allowing FAM to mount a defense.

(With inputs from agencies.)