Top Malaysian football officials quit over foreign-born players scandal

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseJanuary 28, 2026 at 06:53 AM

AI Summary

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The entire executive committee of Malaysia's Football Association (FAM) resigned on Wednesday following a scandal involving fraudulently obtained documents. FIFA had previously suspended seven foreign-born players for a year and fined FAM $400,000 after discovering false documents claiming Malaysian ancestry were used to field them in Asian Cup qualifiers. The investigation stemmed from a complaint after Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. FAM's acting president, Yusoff Mahadi, stated the resignations were to protect the association's reputation and prevent further damage to Malaysian football. FIFA rejected FAM's appeal of the sanctions and criticized the association for its lack of disciplinary action, ordering a full investigation into FAM's conduct and governance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Vietnam 40% Asian Cup ×260% Yusoff Mahadi ×270% Fifa ×380% Malaysia ×380% Football Association of Malaysia ×690%

Keywords

foreign-born players 90% football association 80% forged documents 80% fifa 70% resignations 70% malaysian football 70% asian cup qualifiers 60% eligibility row 60% sanctions 50% disciplinary action 50%