Indonesian newspaper comments frankly about Malaysia when losing 7 naturalized players

(Dan Tri) - Bola (Indonesia) newspaper believes that the Malaysian team will lose a lot of strength after losing 7 naturalized players due to FIFA suspension.

Yesterday (October 3), the Malaysian team called up a list of 29 players to prepare for the match with Laos, including 14 naturalized players: Corbin-Ong (Canada), Daniel Ting (England), Declan Lambert (Australia), Dion Cools (Belgium), Junior Eldstal (Sweden), Richard Chin (England), Quentin Cheng (Australia), Endrick (Brazil), Nooa Laine (Finland), Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Stuart Wilkin (England), Jordan Mintah (Ghana), Paulo Jose (Brazil) and Romel Morales (Colombia).

The Malaysian team was weakened after losing 7 naturalized players (Photo: FAM).

However, the absence of seven naturalized players of European and South American origin, Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Hector Hevel, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Gabriel Palmero, has significantly reduced the strength of the "Tigers".

They were all banned from football activities for 12 months after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) falsified documents to allow these players to play in the match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Bola newspaper believes that even if they try to call up more new naturalized players, the Malaysian team will lose its strength significantly. The newspaper emphasized: “Malaysia is greatly affected, especially in the attack when 7 naturalized players cannot play. They will lose the strength that they have shown recently.

Their biggest loss is striker Joao Figueiredo. This Brazilian player is a goal machine in the Malaysian national championship. This striker is also the one who broke the deadlock when scoring the opening goal against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. In total, after 3 matches, Joao Figueiredo has scored 3 goals for the Malaysian team.

The Malaysian team is waiting for the verdict from the FIFA Football Court (Photo: VFF).

In addition, Hector Hevel also scored a goal against Nepal in the match in March. Facundo Garces is a world- class center-back currently playing for La Liga club Alaves.

The Indonesian newspaper stressed: “This scandal could cause Malaysia to lose its 2027 Asian Cup qualifying results. Not only that, the careers of players playing in Europe and South America will also be ruined. Malaysia’s ability to appeal is very low.”

During the October training camp, Malaysia will play two matches against Laos on October 9 and October 14. However, first, they may face a decision from FIFA's Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/bao-indonesia-nhan-xet-thang-than-ve-malaysia-khi-mat-7-cau-thu-nhap-tich-20251004095851731.htm