SOCCER: FIFA overturns three Malaysia matches amid player eligibility scandal

KUALA LUMPUR — FIFA has overturned the results of three Malaysia matches after finding the team fielded ineligible players, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said on Wednesday, marking the latest setback amid a widening document forgery scandal.

World soccer’s governing body suspended seven naturalized players for 12 months and fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs ($439,257) in September after determining that false documentation had been used to allow the players to compete in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in June.

FIFA last month dismissed an appeal by FAM, saying it would launch a formal investigation into the association’s internal operations and notify authorities in five countries of potential criminal proceedings.

In response, FAM said it would bring the case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In its latest ruling, FIFA’s disciplinary committee also amended the results of three international friendlies in which the suspended players had appeared, awarding Malaysia 3–0 losses in matches against Cape Verde on May 29, Singapore on September 4, and Palestine on September 8.

Malaysia had originally drawn 1–1 with Cape Verde and recorded 2–1 and 1–0 victories over Singapore and Palestine, respectively.

FIFA also imposed an additional fine of 10,000 Swiss francs on the association.

“FAM will make a written application to obtain the reasons for the decision from the FIFA disciplinary committee before considering the next steps to be taken in this matter,” the association said in a statement.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours.

The controversy has sparked public outrage in Malaysia, with fans and some lawmakers calling for action against FAM and government agencies involved in granting citizenship to the players.

Last month, FAM suspended its secretary-general and formed an independent committee to investigate what it described as a “technical error.”

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged full transparency in domestic investigations but emphasized that FAM should be given the opportunity to defend itself.

($1 = 0.7968 Swiss francs) -Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters