Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 2025/26 match between Negeri Sembilan FC and DPMM FC on 12 April 2026 at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi will be on sale!
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Negeri Sembilan FC proudly celebrates a significant milestone as six of its players have been called up to represent their respective national teams, underlining the club’s growing reputation as a platform for elite talent on the regional and international stage.
The national team selections reflect both individual excellence and the collective progress of the squad this season. Each player now carries the responsibility of competing at the highest level, showcasing the spirit, discipline and quality developed within the Negeri Sembilan setup.
Leading the Malaysian contingent are dynamic forward Luqman Hakim and dependable goalkeeper Azri Ghani, both entrusted with the honour of defending the Harimau Malaya colours. Their inclusion highlights the strong contribution of Negeri Sembilan players to the national programme.
Midfield presence Amirul Adli has earned recognition from Singapore, while experienced defender Oday Kharoub will once again represent Palestine on the international stage. Attacking talent Luis Enrique receives the call from Equatorial Guinea, further strengthening the club’s global footprint. Completing the list is versatile midfielder Wai Lin Aung, who has been selected to feature for Myanmar.
Negeri Sembilan FC extends its full support and best wishes to all six players as they embark on their respective international assignments.
Fight with pride. Play with heart. Give everything for the badge on your chest.
The entire Hobin Jang Hobin family stands behind you.
Negeri Sembilan FC interim head coach K. Rajan praised his players’ resilience and commitment after the Jang Hobin secured a convincing 6–1 victory over PDRM FC in the Malaysia Super League clash at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang on 13 March.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Rajan described the win as a significant psychological boost for the squad, particularly after a difficult run of six league matches without victory. The triumph also marked Negeri Sembilan’s first away win of the 2025–26 Super League campaign and Rajan’s first success since taking over in an interim capacity.
The coach credited the collective effort behind the scenes, emphasising the strong support from his coaching staff and club management during the transitional period. He noted that although the team’s overall performance was “moderate,” the result itself was the most important outcome in competitive football.
“In football, only the result counts. Sometimes you play well and don’t win, and sometimes you play average but still get the result. Today the players deserve full credit,” Rajan explained.
Clinical Finishing the Key Difference
Negeri Sembilan displayed ruthless efficiency, scoring three goals in each half to seal an emphatic victory. Rajan revealed that his message at half-time was simple — maintain intensity and continue attacking. He stressed that goal difference could prove decisive later in the season, particularly after last season’s tight battles near the lower end of the table.
Despite the dominant scoreline, the interim coach remained pragmatic in his assessment of the team’s progress. He acknowledged that tactical adjustments and improvements in playing style will require time, especially after stepping into the role midway through the campaign.
Signs of Momentum Before Festive Break
Rajan highlighted that the team had already shown encouraging performances in previous matches, even when results did not go their way. He believes the Selayang victory could serve as a turning point as the squad heads into the upcoming festive break with renewed confidence.
The coach also commended the players’ commitment in both training and matches, stressing that gradual tactical evolution is part of a longer-term process. With morale lifted and momentum regained, Negeri Sembilan FC will look to build on this breakthrough result in the remaining fixtures of the Super League season.
Negeri Sembilan FC emphatically ended their Malaysian Super League winless streak with a commanding 6–1 victory over PDRM FC at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium on Thursday night.
The impressive triumph marked a long-awaited return to winning ways for the Jang Hobin squad, who last collected three points in league action back in December.
The attacking partnership of Takumi Sasaki and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin proved instrumental throughout the match, with both players constantly creating dangerous opportunities and spearheading Negeri Sembilan’s offensive dominance.
The visitors drew first blood as early as the fifth minute when Luqman capitalised on a well-worked move before calmly beating PDRM goalkeeper Nor Hakeem Hamidun to give Negeri Sembilan a 1–0 lead.
Needing no invitation to press their advantage, Negeri Sembilan doubled their tally in the 38th minute through Sasaki, who finished clinically after another incisive attacking sequence. Just three minutes later, Luqman grabbed his second goal of the night, pouncing on a loose ball after Nor Hakeem failed to deal with a powerful effort from Sasaki.
PDRM’s defensive line struggled to cope with Negeri Sembilan’s relentless attacking momentum in the first half, as wave after wave of pressure penetrated the danger zone with ease.
After the restart, Negeri Sembilan maintained their intensity and extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Kei Oshiro rose highest to head home the fourth goal.
Sasaki then compounded PDRM’s misery with a fifth strike in the 69th minute before substitute Khuzaimi Pie completed the emphatic victory with a sixth goal nine minutes later.
The result lifts K. Rajan’s side to sixth place in the league standings with 22 points, while Eddy Gapil’s PDRM remain rooted at the bottom with just 10 points from their campaign so far.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has issued a formal clarification regarding the registration status of several players linked to the recent eligibility controversy involving the national team, stating that all relevant procedures under the Liga Malaysia regulations were properly followed.
In a media statement, MFL confirmed that the registrations of João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), as well as Gabriel Palmero of Kuching City FC, as local players for the 2025–2026 Liga Malaysia season were conducted in full compliance with competition rules.
Registrations Conducted According to League Procedures
According to MFL, the player registrations were processed based on provisions outlined in the Liga Malaysia Manual (2025–2026 Edition), particularly under the sections governing player registration systems and documentation requirements through the FAM MYPAS platform (FIFA Connect).
The league body explained that clubs are required to submit either a valid national identity card or a passport copy as part of the registration process. In the case of the four players, MFL stated that legitimate identity cards issued by the National Registration Department (JPN) were provided and verified prior to approval.
The league also noted that detailed circulars had been issued to all participating clubs as early as June 2025, specifying the documents that must be uploaded in digital format for eligibility clearance.
Based on these procedures, MFL concluded that no breach of league regulations had occurred in the registration of the players concerned for the current season.
However, the governing body acknowledged that the players are still required to serve a 12-month suspension from official matches, as determined by FIFA and later amended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Growing Concerns Among Fans and Stakeholders
Despite the league’s clarification, the case continues to generate strong reactions among supporters and observers across Malaysian football.
A significant segment of fans has raised questions about the broader integrity of the naturalisation and eligibility process, particularly regarding claims that some players were granted citizenship based on heritage connections that were later disputed.
Among the concerns voiced are calls for greater transparency on how fast-track citizenship applications for football purposes were handled, as well as suggestions that authorities should review whether citizenship status obtained under potentially misleading circumstances ought to be reassessed.
Some supporters argue that the situation has exposed what they perceive as systemic vulnerabilities in governance and due diligence, warning that similar cases could undermine public confidence in both sporting institutions and administrative processes.
At the same time, others caution against rushing to conclusions, noting that citizenship decisions fall under national legal jurisdiction and must be determined through proper investigation and due process rather than public pressure.
A Complex Issue Beyond League Regulations
The MFL statement highlights an important distinction in the ongoing controversy: while the league is responsible for ensuring compliance with competition rules, matters related to nationality, eligibility at international level and potential administrative misconduct involve different authorities and regulatory frameworks.
As investigations continue, stakeholders across Malaysian football are increasingly calling for clearer coordination between government agencies, national associations and league organisers to ensure that future naturalisation initiatives meet both legal standards and international sporting regulations.
For now, MFL maintains that its role has been fulfilled according to established procedures. Nevertheless, the wider debate surrounding governance, accountability and the credibility of eligibility processes suggests that the issue is likely to remain a major talking point within Malaysian football in the months ahead.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has acknowledged the decision delivered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the high-profile eligibility case involving seven naturalised players, while expressing reservations about the severity of the sanctions imposed.
In a media statement issued on 6 March 2026, FAM confirmed that it had received the operative part of the CAS award concerning appeals filed by both the association and the seven affected players.
Under the ruling, FAM’s appeal was dismissed, while the players’ appeals were partially upheld, leading to an adjustment in the sanctions originally imposed by FIFA. The players will remain barred from participating in official matches for another eight months, although they are permitted to continue training and engaging in football-related activities with their respective clubs.
FAM also noted that the full reasoning behind the CAS decision has not yet been released, and further comments will be made once the complete written award becomes available.
FAM Accepts Administrative Oversight
In its statement, FAM acknowledged oversight failures in the administrative process related to the players’ naturalisation and eligibility documentation. The association confirmed that investigations by Malaysian federal agencies and FIFA are still ongoing, and reiterated its commitment to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities.
The association described the outcome as deeply disappointing, particularly for the players involved. According to FAM, the players were not involved in the administrative preparation of the documents used in the eligibility process and had no knowledge of the matters handled by administrators.
FAM also emphasised that the players had obtained Malaysian citizenship in accordance with Malaysian law, and thanked supporters for their continued backing during what it described as a difficult period for Malaysian football.
A Wider Issue: Sovereignty and Sporting Regulations
Beyond the immediate sporting consequences, the case raises an important question that sits at the intersection of sports governance and national sovereignty.
While FIFA and CAS regulate eligibility rules for international football, citizenship itself is a sovereign matter governed by Malaysian law and the Federal Constitution. In other words, international sporting bodies determine whether a player can represent a national team, but they do not have the authority to grant or revoke nationality.
This creates a complex situation. The players may remain Malaysian citizens under domestic law, yet still be deemed ineligible to represent the national team under FIFA regulations.
From a diplomatic standpoint, FAM’s response can be seen as cautious and measured, acknowledging the CAS ruling while leaving room to review the detailed reasoning of the decision before determining further steps.
Should the Citizenship Be Revoked?
One of the more sensitive questions emerging from the case is whether the Malaysian government should revoke the citizenship granted to the players, particularly if the naturalisation process involved falsified eligibility claims.
From a legal and policy perspective, the answer is not straightforward.
Under Malaysian law, citizenship granted through naturalisation can potentially be revoked if it is proven that the status was obtained through fraud, false representation, or concealment of material facts. If future investigations confirm that the naturalisation process relied on falsified documentation, the government technically has the legal authority to review or withdraw that citizenship.
However, several factors complicate the matter:
For these reasons, many observers argue that revoking citizenship would likely be disproportionate unless clear evidence emerges that the players themselves knowingly participated in falsification.
What the Malaysian Government Should Do Next
Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures, the more pressing priority for Malaysia may be institutional reform.
Several steps would help prevent similar controversies in the future:
1. Establish a clear national framework for sports naturalisation
Malaysia needs a transparent policy outlining how athletes may obtain fast-track citizenship and how eligibility requirements align with international federation rules.
2. Strengthen coordination between ministries and sporting bodies
Naturalisation for sporting purposes often involves multiple institutions, including the Home Ministry, immigration authorities and national associations. Clear protocols would reduce the risk of administrative gaps.
3. Implement stronger due-diligence checks before eligibility submissions
Ensuring that documentation submitted to FIFA meets eligibility standards would protect both athletes and national federations from reputational damage.
A Turning Point for Malaysian Football Governance
While the CAS decision offers partial relief by allowing the players to continue training during their suspension, the controversy has exposed systemic weaknesses in how sporting naturalisation was handled.
The case is therefore likely to serve as a turning point for governance in Malaysian football, forcing stakeholders to reconsider how competitive ambition, regulatory compliance and national sovereignty should be balanced moving forward.
For now, the focus remains on awaiting the full CAS written award, which will provide the detailed reasoning behind the ruling and may further shape how Malaysia responds to one of the most significant eligibility disputes in its football history.
Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 2025-26 match between PDRM FC and Negeri Sembilan FC on 13 March 2026 at the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium are now on sale!
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For the State, We’re Heading to Selayang! 🚌
Bus slots for the away day to Selayang are now open!
📍 Departure point: Wisma PBNS
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
💸 Price: RM60 (Members) | RM65 (Non-members)
ℹ️ Price includes match ticket
Come on, Sekalian Yang Setia!
Let’s rock Selayang with chants of For the State!
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Negeri Sembilan FC interim head coach K. Rajan acknowledged clear improvements in his team’s overall performance despite a frustrating late setback following their 3-3 draw against Penang FC in the Malaysia Super League at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi on 7 March.
Speaking during the post-match press conference after the Liga Super 2025/26 Matchday 20 encounter, Rajan praised the effort and attacking intent displayed by Negeri Sembilan FC, highlighting the team’s ability to create numerous chances throughout the match.
“Overall, we played a good game. We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t convert them,” Rajan said, noting that the team had shown significant improvement compared to the previous outing.
Positive Signs Despite Frustrating Ending
The interim head coach emphasised that while the result may feel disappointing, there were clear indicators of progress in the team’s performance.
According to Rajan, the players demonstrated better attacking structure and were able to generate several goal-scoring opportunities, suggesting that the team’s tactical adjustments and training work are beginning to take effect.
“You saw in the last two games, we improved a lot. We created many chances, but sometimes we couldn’t finish them,” he explained.
However, Rajan also admitted that defensive concentration in the closing stages remains a concern, especially after conceding a late goal that denied the home side a crucial victory.
Focus and Concentration Key for Final Minutes
Reflecting on the decisive moments late in the match, Rajan pointed to the importance of maintaining focus and mental discipline until the final whistle.
“For the last-minute goal, players must focus and concentrate until the last whistle,” he said. “At the end of the game, players are already tired, but concentration is very important.”
The coach added that such situations can sometimes be unpredictable, particularly when refereeing decisions or late challenges come into play, but maintaining defensive discipline remains essential.
Post-Match Review Planned
Looking ahead, Rajan confirmed that the coaching staff will conduct a detailed post-mortem with the players to analyse the match and identify areas that require improvement.
“Tomorrow we will do a post-mortem with the players. We will talk together and improve game by game,” he said.
While the late concession prevented Negeri Sembilan from securing all three points, Rajan remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory under his interim leadership, stressing that continuous improvement and hard work in training will be key as the Hobin Jang Hobin squad prepares for their upcoming fixtures.
Negeri Sembilan FC were forced to settle for a point after being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Penang FC in a pulsating Super League encounter at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, earlier today.
The Hobin Jang Hobin squad had hoped to secure a valuable victory on home soil, but a late penalty from the visitors denied them all three points in a match filled with momentum swings and six goals.
Penang FC struck first in the 22nd minute through a swift counterattack. Dylan Christopher finished the move clinically to give the visitors the early advantage and silence the Paroi crowd.
Negeri Sembilan, however, responded strongly and found the equaliser seven minutes later through Jovan Motika in the 29th minute.
The goal was crafted through a well-orchestrated midfield move involving Yuichi Hirano and Takumi Sasaki. The pair combined neatly before Sasaki threaded a precise pass into Motika’s path. The forward showed excellent composure to beat two Penang defenders before unleashing a powerful strike past goalkeeper Mohamad Ramdhan Ab Hamid to level the score.
As the match progressed into the final stages, Penang head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail made a decisive substitution by introducing experienced striker Tchetche Kipre. The move proved effective as the 38-year-old found the back of the net in the 79th minute, converting a delivery from Jose Porteria to restore the visitors’ lead.
Despite the setback, Negeri Sembilan refused to surrender and mounted an impressive late comeback.
Substitute Mio Tsuneyasu brought the home side back into the contest in the 82nd minute, finishing clinically to make it 2-2. The momentum then shifted firmly in favour of the hosts when Joseph Esso completed the turnaround in the 88th minute, putting Negeri Sembilan ahead and seemingly on course for a memorable victory.
However, heartbreak struck in the dying moments of the match.
Penang were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute, and Stefano Brundo stepped up to convert from the spot, ensuring the visitors salvaged a point from the thrilling contest.
The result sees both sides share the spoils after an entertaining encounter in Paroi, with Negeri Sembilan left to reflect on a match that slipped away at the very last moment despite a spirited fightback.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially amended the sanctions imposed on seven footballers who were previously ruled ineligible to represent Malaysia, confirming a 12-month suspension from official matches but allowing the players to continue training and participating in other football-related activities.
In a media release issued on 5 March 2026 from Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS announced that it had partly upheld the appeals filed by the players against the decision by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The case concerned allegations of falsified documents used during the naturalisation and eligibility process for the Malaysian national team.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to 2025 when the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) approached seven foreign players to potentially represent Malaysia at international level. The players involved were:
Following the process, the players underwent naturalisation procedures and were issued Malaysian passports.
However, on 25 September 2025, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that FAM and the players had violated the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) after determining that falsified documents had been used in the naturalisation and eligibility process. FIFA concluded that the players had no legitimate connection to Malaysia that would justify their eligibility.
As a result, FIFA imposed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities on the players, along with a fine of CHF 2,000 for each player. FAM was also fined CHF 350,000. The decision was later upheld by the FIFA Appeal Committee on 3 November 2025.
Appeals Taken to CAS
FAM and the players subsequently filed consolidated appeals with CAS on 5 December 2025.
In its appeal, FAM acknowledged the presence of what it described as “institutional shortcomings” and accepted that it may bear responsibility for breaching the FIFA Disciplinary Code. However, the association argued that the players had only provided documents requested by FAM and did not prepare or alter the documents themselves.
FAM requested that the FIFA decision be set aside and proposed that any sanction should not exceed a fine of CHF 50,000.
Meanwhile, the players appealed for the complete annulment of the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision, arguing that they had not acted with intent or negligence. Alternatively, they requested that any sanctions imposed should be proportionate to their role in the case.
The appeals were heard by a CAS panel consisting of Lars Hilliger (Denmark) as President, alongside José Luis Andrade (Portugal) and Massimo Coccia (Italy). The hearing took place in person on 26 February 2026 at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne.
CAS Decision
After reviewing the evidence, the CAS Panel concluded that the use of falsified eligibility documents had indeed occurred. The panel ruled that a 12-month ban was a reasonable and proportionate sanction, given the players’ involvement in the process.
However, CAS determined that the suspension should apply only to official matches, rather than to all football-related activities.
This adjustment means the players are allowed to continue training and working with their respective clubs during the suspension period, but they remain barred from participating in official matches.
The ban officially begins on 5 March 2026, with credit given for the period already served between 25 September 2025 and 26 January 2026, when the original suspension had effectively been in force.
CAS also ruled that FAM’s fine of CHF 350,000 remains justified and proportionate, dismissing the association’s appeal on the matter.
Next Steps
CAS clarified that the announcement represents an operative decision without detailed grounds, meaning the full written award explaining the panel’s reasoning will be issued at a later date. For legal purposes, only the wording of the final written decision will be binding.
The ruling brings partial relief for the affected players, who can now continue training and maintaining their professional careers while serving their match suspensions. At the same time, the decision reinforces the strict regulatory framework governing player eligibility and international representation in football.
