A Malaysian media outlet is alleging that Erick Thohir instigated a complaint to FIFA regarding alleged irregularities in the naturalization process of Malaysian national team players. The report too claims Thohir feared the rising strength of the Malaysian squad.
The outlet, MYNewsHub, published an article titled ‘Erick Thohir is the Main Mastermind Behind the Complaint to FIFA.’
The report asserts that Thohir, who has close ties with FIFA, was the source of the complaint concerning the naturalization scandal within the Malaysian national team.
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The report further suggests that Thohir’s motivation for filing the complaint stemmed from concerns that the Malaysian national team would surpass Indonesia in performance.
“The disappointment over the improved performance of the Harimau Malaya team exceeding the strength of the Indonesian team is believed to be the main motive behind the filing of the complaint (by Erick Thohir) to FIFA,” the outlet wrote.
the report alleges that Thohir was unhappy with the involvement of Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, in Malaysian football.
“Erick Thohir is known to be unhappy with the involvement of Tunku Mahkota Ismail in the Malaysian football industry,” the report stated.
Attempts to reach Erick Thohir for comment have been unsuccessful as of this report. Meanwhile, FIFA sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in September 2025 for using seven players with falsified naturalization documents.
The seven players were initially banned from playing for 12 months, but that ban was later lifted. FAM was also issued a substantial fine, and their appeal was rejected by FIFA.
Malaysia’s participation in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers is now in jeopardy, as they could be disqualified due to the utilize of ineligible players. Malaysia had previously fielded the players in question.
Malaysia’s FIFA ranking points have also been deducted. The nation is currently appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but is expected to lose the case.
(aff/yna)
