KUALA LUMPUR — The Home Ministry will decide within a month on the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) application for citizenship for four heritage players intended to strengthen Harimau Malaya for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the timeline, explaining that the review process will first establish whether the applicants have familial ties to Malaysian citizens.
“A review process will be conducted to determine the category of the application, specifically whether the applicants have blood ties with Malaysian citizens,” he said at a programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Karangan in Kulim today.
Earlier today, FAM announced that the four heritage players are awaiting final government approval. In addition, documentation for another four players is being finalised to further bolster the national football team.
“FAM extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government for its support in efforts to enhance the quality of the Harimau Malaya team,” FAM said in a statement.
Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim previously revealed that six to seven heritage players have been identified to don Malaysia’s colours. He also urged the government to expedite the process of granting Malaysian passports to ensure the players’ participation in the qualifiers, which kick off in March.
Under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Peter Cklamovski, Malaysia will face Nepal in their Group F opener on 25 March. The group also includes Vietnam and Laos, with only the winners earning a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. — January 25, 2025
