Dutch footballer among 7 “Malaysian” ringers busted by FIFA

FIFA has awarded Malaysia three defeats for fielding ineligible players. Seven players were involved, including Hector Hevel, born in Leidschendam, who does not have any family connections to Malaysia. Consequently, Hevel and the other players face suspension and, under earlier FIFA decisions, are prohibited from participating in international or club matches for 12 months while the sanction remains in force.

Malaysia’s friendly victories over Palestine and Singapore, along with a draw against Cape Verde, have been recorded as 3-0 defeats. In addition, the Malaysian football association was fined a total of 386,255 euros and has stated it will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The investigation by FIFA began in June after a complaint following a match with Vietnam. The players involved, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazábal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and João Figueiredo, had already been suspended for presenting fraudulent documents.

Hevel, 29, began his career in the youth ranks of ADO Den Haag and made his first-team debut in 2014. He played 11 games for the club before transferring abroad in early 2017.

The punishment comes after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee convened on December 12, 2025, and determined that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had breached regulations by including players who were not eligible to play under FIFA rules.