The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that seven heritage players previously sanctioned over a football eligibility and documentation controversy are eligible to resume competitive action from Sunday, marking a significant development in a case that has attracted widespread attention.
MFL Chief Executive Officer Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd confirmed the authenticity of an official circular bearing his signature, which had circulated on social media. The confirmation clarified the players’ status and their ability to participate in football competitions following the disciplinary measures imposed on them.
The seven players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui and Héctor Alejandro Hevel Serrano. Their case originated from a FIFA investigation into documentation submitted to establish their eligibility to represent Malaysia.
In September 2025, FIFA sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven players over breaches of its disciplinary regulations concerning falsified eligibility documents. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) subsequently upheld the players’ 12-month suspensions from official matches while allowing them to continue other football-related activities, including training with their clubs.
The latest MFL announcement provides clarity for clubs preparing to reintegrate the affected players into competitive football. However, eligibility to play in domestic club competitions should not be confused with eligibility to represent Malaysia internationally, which remains subject to the relevant FIFA regulations and decisions.
