Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the issue surrounding seven heritage football players accused of being ineligible must first be reviewed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), before the matter reaches the Home Ministry (KDN). - Bernama pic, May 15, 2026
FAM must address heritage player controversy before KDN steps in : Anwar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the controversy surrounding seven ineligible heritage football players should first be addressed internally by FAM before being referred to the Home Ministry, as pressure mounts over citizenship revocation calls and governance concerns in Malaysian football
Sandru Narayanan
Updated 8 hours ago
15 May, 2026
3:47 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – The issue surrounding seven heritage football players accused of being ineligible must first be reviewed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), before the matter reaches the Home Ministry (KDN), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the 2026 National Youth Day celebration at X Park Sendayan today, Anwar said the matter should be handled through the proper process before any decision is made.
“Let FAM discuss it first and then submit it to the Home Ministry according to the usual process,” he said briefly.
His remarks come amid continued scrutiny over the eligibility of the seven naturalised players who previously represented the national football team, following questions surrounding documentation and citizenship approval procedures.
The controversy reportedly involves seven players classified under heritage eligibility rules, with concerns raised over whether proper procedures were followed in verifying their citizenship status for international competition.
The issue has triggered widespread debate over governance, transparency, and regulatory oversight within FAM.
Malaysia was reportedly sanctioned by international football authorities following the case, including a ban from the next Asian Cup cycle and other disciplinary measures linked to player eligibility breaches.
The development has sparked concern within the local football fraternity and intensified calls for stricter governance standards in Malaysian football.
Previously, hardcore national team supporters’ group Ultras Malaya demanded that the citizenship of the seven players be revoked.
The supporters’ group issued two demands following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which dismissed the appeal filed by FAM and the seven heritage players.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Ultras Malaya called on those responsible to admit that document falsification had taken place involving the seven players.
The group also demanded that the citizenship of all seven players be revoked immediately.
“Previously, you asked us to wait for FIFA’s decision? We did. Then you asked us to wait for FIFA’s appeal? We did. Then you asked us to wait for the CAS appeal? We did.
“Now it is our turn to ask. Admit that document falsification took place. Revoke the citizenship of the seven individuals involved. Let us resolve this fundamental issue first before discussing anything else,” the group said in the statement.
The CAS ruling in March saw the appeal by FAM and the seven heritage players rejected, effectively upholding the original punishment imposed by FIFA.
The seven players involved are Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Héctor Hevel. – May 15, 2026
FAM must address heritage player controversy before KDN steps in : Anwar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the controversy surrounding seven ineligible heritage football players should first be addressed internally by FAM before being referred to the Home Ministry, as pressure mounts over citizenship revocation calls and governance concerns in Malaysian football
Sandru Narayanan
Updated 8 hours ago
15 May, 2026
3:47 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – The issue surrounding seven heritage football players accused of being ineligible must first be reviewed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), before the matter reaches the Home Ministry (KDN), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the 2026 National Youth Day celebration at X Park Sendayan today, Anwar said the matter should be handled through the proper process before any decision is made.
“Let FAM discuss it first and then submit it to the Home Ministry according to the usual process,” he said briefly.
His remarks come amid continued scrutiny over the eligibility of the seven naturalised players who previously represented the national football team, following questions surrounding documentation and citizenship approval procedures.
The controversy reportedly involves seven players classified under heritage eligibility rules, with concerns raised over whether proper procedures were followed in verifying their citizenship status for international competition.
The issue has triggered widespread debate over governance, transparency, and regulatory oversight within FAM.
Malaysia was reportedly sanctioned by international football authorities following the case, including a ban from the next Asian Cup cycle and other disciplinary measures linked to player eligibility breaches.
The development has sparked concern within the local football fraternity and intensified calls for stricter governance standards in Malaysian football.
Previously, hardcore national team supporters’ group Ultras Malaya demanded that the citizenship of the seven players be revoked.
The supporters’ group issued two demands following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which dismissed the appeal filed by FAM and the seven heritage players.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Ultras Malaya called on those responsible to admit that document falsification had taken place involving the seven players.
The group also demanded that the citizenship of all seven players be revoked immediately.
“Previously, you asked us to wait for FIFA’s decision? We did. Then you asked us to wait for FIFA’s appeal? We did. Then you asked us to wait for the CAS appeal? We did.
“Now it is our turn to ask. Admit that document falsification took place. Revoke the citizenship of the seven individuals involved. Let us resolve this fundamental issue first before discussing anything else,” the group said in the statement.
The CAS ruling in March saw the appeal by FAM and the seven heritage players rejected, effectively upholding the original punishment imposed by FIFA.
The seven players involved are Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Héctor Hevel. – May 15, 2026
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