Argentinian media exposes the true identities of Malaysia's naturalized players

Argentinian media, specifically ESPN, revealed the actual origins of Malaysia's naturalized players, confirming that many birth certificates were forged in a scandal that shocked the region.

The reputable sports outlet ESPN Argentina published a detailed article on the shocking naturalization scandal in Malaysian football, following FIFA’s official disciplinary report against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the group of South American players involved.

According to ESPN Argentina, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee released on Monday (October 7) a detailed report on the one-year suspension imposed on seven Malaysian national team players, including three Argentinians: Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, and Rodrigo Holgado. FIFA confirmed that this group of players violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, related to document forgery, while FAM was identified as the mastermind behind manipulating the naturalization paperwork.

According to the report, Machuca (currently with Velez Sarsfield), Garces (now at Deportivo Alaves), and Holgado (former San Lorenzo player, currently with America de Cali) were all found to have used falsified documents regarding their grandparents’ origins to qualify for Malaysia’s national team. These three players participated in the match against Vietnam on June 10, 2025, during the third round of AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

FIFA stated that FAM submitted altered birth certificates in the licensing applications, including the case of Concepcion Agueda Alaniz, listed as born in Penang (Malaysia), but actually born in Roldan, Santa Fe (Argentina). Similarly, Carlos Rogelio Garces Fernandez, grandfather of Facundo Garces, was confirmed born in Villa Maria, Santa Fe, not in Penang as stated in the documents submitted by FAM. The case of Omar Eli Holgado Gardon, grandfather of Rodrigo Holgado, was also found to have incorrect birthplace information (Caseros, Buenos Aires, not George Town, Malaysia).

Based on original evidence collected directly from registration authorities in Argentina, Brazil, and Spain, FIFA concluded that all documents provided by FAM were forged. Consequently, the seven players are banned from all football activities for one year, and FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (equivalent to 440,000 USD).

FIFA also rejected all defense arguments from FAM claiming “the naturalization process complies with national constitution,” emphasizing that this act seriously violates international regulations.

According to ESPN Argentina, this scandal has become a “major black mark” on Malaysian football, severely damaging the international reputations of several Argentinian players involved.