Malaysia’s citizenship process for Harimau Malaya heritage players is lawful, home minister says
The Malaysian government has reaffirmed that seven national team players granted citizenship as part of the Harimau Malaya heritage program were naturalised in full accordance with the law. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that no unlawful steps were taken and that any questions about eligibility should be addressed through the regular regulatory channels, particularly the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and FIFA.
How the citizenship was granted
Speaking to Parliament, Saifuddin Nasution explained that 23 football players applied for citizenship, including the seven who later joined the senior squad. The process relied on Article 19 of the Federal Constitution and the Citizenship Rules 1964. Applicants must apply personally, reside in Malaysia for a qualifying period, and demonstrate good conduct and a competent command of Bahasa Melayu. Proof of identity, such as a passport, is required, and applicants complete Form C as mandated.
The minister emphasized that the process is straightforward and transparent. “They came, we took their biometric data and interviewed them, and hence they got their citizenship,” he noted, underscoring the personal nature of the application and the absence of third-party agents in the crucial steps.
The role of FAM and FIFA in eligibility disputes
While Malaysia maintains that the citizenship route was properly followed, debates have arisen over FIFA’s disciplinary actions related to the players’ eligibility. Saifuddin Nasution clarified that player eligibility remains a football regulatory matter governed by FIFA statutes, not a national affairs issue. FIFA’s rules permit representing a country if a player is born there, has a parent or grandparent born there, or has lived in the country for at least five years. Saifuddin Nasution stated that the current dispute falls within the purview of FAM’s appeal process with FIFA.
“That’s a matter between FAM and FIFA. From our side, all citizenship procedures were done according to the law and the Constitution,” he asserted. The interview added that the home ministry recognizes the need for FAM and FIFA to resolve the situation through the established channels rather than through political or administrative improvisation.
Birth certificates under Section 10A of the Births and Deaths Act
In addressing the documentary basis for citizenship, the Minister also explained the issuance of birth certificates under Section 10A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957. The Registrar-General can issue a birth certificate upon satisfying the presented evidence, without requiring grandparents’ documentation. This point was raised amid questions about the documentary authenticity in FIFA’s view. Saifuddin Nasution noted that the Home Ministry’s National Registration Department (JPN) followed Section 10A precisely, and any implication of falsified documents did not originate from Malaysia’s processes.
What happens next
The seven heritage players—Gabriel Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel—were sanctioned by FIFA for documentary forgery related to their eligibility, resulting in fines and suspensions. FAM has been fined CHF 350,000 and the players CHF 2,000 each, along with 12-month suspensions from football activity. The ongoing matter is being contested through FIFA’s disciplinary framework, with FAM pursuing an appeal.
The home minister called for calm and adherence to lawful processes, reiterating that citizenship matters are settled in accordance with constitutional provisions. As the national federation and FIFA work through the appeal, Malaysia remains focused on the integrity of its football governance and the fair treatment of players who earn their status through transparent procedures.
