Police receive 45 complaints related to the Malaysian footballers' naturalization scandal

Malaysian police have received 45 complaints concerning the naturalization scandal involving the Harimau Malaya players, initiating an investigation into possible document fraud.

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed that they have received a total of 45 reports related to the forgery case involving seven naturalized players representing the Malaysian national team.

According to released information, authorities have recorded statements from eight individuals to assist the investigation. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department Director, Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, stated that an investigation file has been opened under Section 420 of the Malaysian Penal Code, concerning fraud and deception.

“So far, we have taken statements from eight people to support the investigation process. The case is being handled according to legal procedures,” Datuk Rusdi told local media.

Previously, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) filed a report at the Petaling Jaya Police Stationbased on recommendations from the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC), following suspicions of forged documents concerning seven players with Malaysian heritage.

Regarding the case, sports and commercial lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli warned Malaysian footballers to be extremely cautious when accepting advice from unidentified parties, especially on legal and nationality issues related to playing eligibility.

According to Mr. Nik Erman, the seven players were suspended by FIFA for 12 months due to involvement with forged documents, and one reason their appeal was rejected was because the players showed a lack of initiative by not questioning or verifying information from the start.

“As professional athletes, they cannot leave their career futures in the hands of unclear individuals. FIFA found that third and even fourth parties influenced and misadvised the players to sign naturalization papers,”Mr. Nik Erman explained.

On November 18 last year, FIFA released the full statement from the Appeals Committee, which identified several FAM administrative officials directly involved in altering and forging players’ birth certificates. The altered documents included information about the players’ grandparents’ birthplaces to establish blood ties with Malaysia.