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New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AFC distances itself from Malaysia's potential FIFA suspension
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has distanced itself from explosive claims that Malaysia could be suspended by FIFA over the alleged misuse of player naturalisation rules. The allegations, made by Indonesian football pundit Justinus Lhaksana, better known as Coach Justin, suggested that the FA of Malaysia (FAM) had bypassed international eligibility regulations to field several South American-born players. In his podcast "Bukan Bincang Sepak Bola Biasa", Justin accused Malaysia of using players with "fabricated lineage" and claimed FIFA could impose sanctions, including possible suspension until 2027. However, neither FIFA nor the AFC has issued any confirmation. AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul dismissed the speculation, making it clear that any action related to eligibility falls under FIFA's jurisdiction, not the AFC's. "We have not been informed of any suspension. Moreover, FAM would know first before anyone else," said Windsor. "AFC has no information, as such matters come under the purview of FIFA." The allegations surfaced after five South American-born players — Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Facundo Garces — featured in Harimau Malaya's 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10. Coach Justin also claimed that Malaysia's involvement in the ongoing Under-23 Asean Championship — a tournament organised by the Asean Football Federation (AFF) — was only possible because it is a non-FIFA-sanctioned competition. But without any official comment or evidence from FIFA, the claims remain unsubstantiated and speculative. The FA of Malaysia (FAM) was unavailable for comment when contacted.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FIFA ban until 2027? Indonesian pundit drops bombshell on Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Could Malaysia be slapped with a FIFA suspension until 2027? That's the explosive claim made by Indonesian football pundit Justinus Lhaksana, better known as Coach Justin, who has accused the FA of Malaysia (FAM) of bypassing international eligibility rules through the questionable naturalisation of South American players. In a recent episode of his podcast "Bukan Bincang Sepak Bola Biasa", Justin alleged that Malaysia are already suspended by FIFA for fielding players with "fabricated lineage" — though no such confirmation has come from world football's governing body or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). "Malaysia are still allowed to play in the Under-23 Asean Championship because it's not recognised by FIFA. But they're suspended until 2027," he claimed on the HY Sport YouTube channel. According to Justin, five players who previously played in Brazil were brought into the national team under the guise of having Malaysian ancestry. "The federation (FAM) claimed they had Malaysian ancestors. If that's true, it should be easy to prove with documents," he said. "Otherwise, it looks like they're playing the system. And it seems they will be appealing." His comments appear to refer to Malaysia's decision to debut five foreign-born players — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado — in a FIFA match day clash against Vietnam on June 10, which ended in a thumping 4-0 win for Peter Cklamovski's side. What has made the accusation even more incendiary is Justin's comparison with Indonesia, claiming his country follows strict rules on lineage verification. "In Indonesia, we trace a player's ancestry two or three generations back, with birth certificates and everything," he said. "Look at our players — (Shayne) Pattynama, (Joey) Pelupessy, (Ragnar) Oratmangoen, (Stefano) Lilipaly, even Emil Audero — all clearly have Indonesian blood." The claims have sent social media into overdrive, coming at a time when Malaysia's aggressive recruitment of foreign talent has already raised eyebrows. However, AFC has already poured cold water on any talk of a brewing scandal. On July 4, AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul dismissed speculation that Malaysia are under investigation for fielding ineligible players, confirming that no complaint had been received regarding the June 10 match. "Eligibility matters fall strictly under FIFA's jurisdiction," he said. FAM, through secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman, also denied any wrongdoing, stressing that the association had complied fully with international guidelines and had not received any communication from FIFA or the AFC.
