KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) has called on the government to launch a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) following revelations of alleged document fraud involving naturalised football players in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

The call comes after Fifa released a 19-page report that found several foreign-born players were granted Malaysian citizenship using allegedly falsified ancestral birth certificates. 

According to the report, FAM altered the players’ original birthplaces abroad — including Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands — to Malaysian states such as Penang, Melaka, Johor, and Sarawak.

PN’s Chief Whip, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, said the scandal went beyond routine administrative errors. 

“This is not a technical mistake, but a deliberate act of fraud. 

“It tarnishes Malaysia’s integrity and reputation in official international affairs,” he said in a statement today.

The Fifa report also noted that Malaysia’s National Registration Department (JPN) had not received the original documents, instead issuing copies based on secondary information. 

It said seven foreign-born players were confirmed as Malaysian citizens using the allegedly falsified documents, and two even scored in official matches.

Takiyuddin called for a full and transparent investigation. 

“We demand that the government immediately establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to identify all parties involved in preparing and verifying the falsified documents. 

“The roles of JPN, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports must also be examined, including any potential elements of corruption, abuse of power, or political interference,” he said.

The PN statement cited a FAM statement from June, in which the association thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for facilitating documentation for the “new heritage” players. 

Takiyuddin said this made it urgent to uncover the full scope of responsibility.

He also said the episode exposed weaknesses in document verification within FAM and government agencies, raising concerns about Malaysia’s credibility in international football.

 Malay Mail – Malaysia