World football governing body, FIFA, has suspended seven Malaysia national team players for 12 months and fined the country’s football association 350,000 Swiss francs ($440,000) over forged documents used in an Asia Cup qualifier.

The disciplinary committee announced the sanctions on Friday after confirming that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) doctored documentation to field ineligible players during Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June.

FIFA said the action followed a complaint regarding the eligibility of several players who featured in the match.

The affected players include Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.

They were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football-related activities for one year.

Reacting to the ruling, the FAM said it would challenge the decision through legal channels.

“FAM would like to emphasise that the players involved, and FAM itself, have acted in good faith and with full transparency throughout this process,” the association stated in Kuala Lumpur.

It added that FIFA had previously reviewed and confirmed the eligibility of the players in question.

“In fact, FIFA has previously reviewed the qualifications of the players and provided official confirmation that they are eligible to play for Malaysia,” the FAM maintained.

Malaysia currently sit top of their 2027 Asia Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches, pending further action from FIFA.

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged young athletes especially football players to imbibe discipline as a watchword in their career progression.

Mbah said this at the Novelty Match in Honour of Legend of Football in Nigeria, Christian Chukwu,74, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu between Ex-Rangers International and Enugu All Star.

The match, which featured former Nigeria ex-International Football Professionals and popularly local players, ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes of play.

Represented by the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani, the governor said discipline within and outside the field of play marked a clear difference between the generation of footballers today and the Chukwu’s era.

According to him, it is a very wonderful match to celebrate a legend that has contributed a lot to football in the state, country, continent and the world.

He said, “The life and times of Christian Chukwu resonate with us.

“Christian Chukwu is a gentleman, hard working and disciplined individual as well as a great football, Rangers International FC, Enugu State, Nigeria and African football ambassador and legend.

“Christain Chukwu and his generation did their best to ensure the progress of football, an achievement which the younger generations of football players are enjoying today.

“Enugu State Government through His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, has done much and will do more to ensure that this great man (Chukwu) is immortalised and he continues to live in our hearts.”

Mbah said that the large number of ex-football internationals, retired players, his teammates and football lovers present at the stadium shows the love and followership he commands.

“This is fallout and testament to the disciplined, committed and excellent leadership qualities which Christain Chukwu possesses,” he said.

Speaking, his Green Eagles teammate, Dominic Nwobodo, popularly known as Alhaji, said that Chukwu was a good captain, who loved all and carried every player along “with a sense of brotherhood”.

Nwobodo said that Chukwu gave his all to ensure that football not only made Nigerians happy but also ensured it grew as he served in the field (as a player) and the bench (as a coach of the national team and Rangers International FC).

Contributing, Chief Victor Atuonwu, former Chief Liaison Officer between Rangers International and Enugu State Government, said that Chukwu had taught the younger generations of football players that “being patriotic and serving the nation is worthwhile”.

“The novelty match is a worthy honour to a deserving gentleman player, Christian Chukwu, who contributed much to the uplift of football worldwide,” Atuonwu said.

Highlight of the match was a minute of silence observed for Chukwu and prayers for the repose of his soul.

As a player, Chukwu captained the Nigerian National Team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980.

He was in the Nigerian squads that won the Africa Nations’ Cup in 1980 and finished runners-up in 1976 and 1978.

He was the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup trophy after a 3–0 victory over Algeria in the final of the 1980 tournament.

In October 1998 he was appointed coach of the Kenya National Team. Later, from 2003 to 2005, he coached Nigeria, leading them to reach the semifinals at the 2004 African Cup of Nations.

Chukwu coached the Enugu Rangers to sixth place in the 2008–2009 edition of the Nigeria Premier League.

He was made the Rangers’ General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) later by former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Chukwu, popularly known as Chairman, died on April 12, 2025, at the age of 74.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on Saturday led a large gathering of mourners, dignitaries, and admirers to pay final respects to the late Christian Chukwu, Nigeria’s football icon and national hero, who passed away at the age of 74.

The funeral service, held at St. Philips Anglican Church, Obe, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state, was presided over by the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, Prof. Samuel Ike.

The ceremony drew an impressive crowd, including political leaders, Chukwu’s former teammates, footballers, coaches, sports administrators, clergy, royal fathers, in-laws, and members of the community, who gathered to honour a man widely celebrated for his humility, discipline, and enduring legacy in Nigerian and African football.

Members of the bereaved family of Christian Chukwu

In his heartfelt tribute, Governor Mbah described the late Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” as an inimitable figure whose virtues left a lasting impression on all who encountered him.

“For me, it is difficult for you to have met Chairman Christian Chukwu without being inspired by his simplicity and humility,” the governor said.

While acknowledging the deep pain of the loss, Governor Mbah encouraged the faithful to take solace in both Christian hope and the noble life Chukwu lived.

“It is without a doubt that he was disciplined, he was dignified, he was polite, he was empathetic,” Mbah stated.

“Chukwu’s remarkable achievements would remain a reference point for many years to come. His leadership and impact at Rangers International and beyond solidified his legacy as a football legend whose influence will inspire future generations.”

He further reiterated his earlier pledge that the Enugu State Government would ensure Chukwu’s name is etched permanently in the annals of the state’s history.

Governor Mbah urged his family and children to take pride in his accomplishments and uphold his legacies and the good name he leaves behind, adding: “To his family once again, do not be despondent. You are not alone. The Enugu State Government will always stand by you – for your son and brother loved and served Enugu and Nigeria with all his heart.”

The governor also extended appreciation to Obe community “for giving us this great son, and the privilege of sharing him with you,” and to the church “for shaping the values that helped him to excel and become a household name and an inspiration.”

Governor Mbah’s message resonated with the themes of faith and enduring service echoed by Bishop Samuel Ike, who, during his homily, reminded mourners of the Christian assurance of resurrection and the value of living a life of sacrifice and impact, qualities embodied by Chukwu throughout his storied life.

The funeral drew the attendance of many dignitaries, including former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani; former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; Senator representing Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh; Member representing Nkanu East/West in the House of Representatives, Pharm. Nnolim Nnaji; former Minister of Information, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr.; and members of the Enugu State Executive Council led by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.

Also in attendance were former Inspector General of Police, Chief Ogbonnaya Onovo; Secretary of the Police Service Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani; Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Chief John Ogbodo; and Chukwu’s former teammates and associates, such as Henry Nwosu and Emmanuel Amunike, among several others.