'Technical error' as Malaysia vows to fight FIFA suspensions | Sports

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Malaysian football officials onMonday blamed a "technical error" in the document submission process for anAsian Cup qualifier, which prompted FIFA to suspend seven of the country'snational players. The Football Association of Malaysia vowed to fight FIFA's ruling Friday thatsent shockwaves through the sport in the football-mad nation, saying so-called "heritage" or naturalised players were legitimate citizens. FIFA slapped a year-long ban on the group -- including centre-back FacundoGarces, 26, the first naturalised Malaysian to play in Spain's La Liga --accusing the FAM of using "doctored documentation to be able to field theplayers". Garces, together with Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, ImanolJavier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui andHector Alejandro Hevel...