KUALA LUMPUR: World football governing body FIFA has cleared Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) players Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp to represent the national team.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 13) that the confirmation was received after FIFA completed reviewing the eligibility status of both players based on established regulations.
However, the eligibility status of two other JDT players, Manuel Hidalgo and Shane Lowry, remains under review and verification by FIFA.
“FAM will continue to extend full cooperation and submit all necessary information and documents to FIFA regarding the review process,” the statement said.
FAM added that further developments regarding the status of Hidalgo and Lowry would be announced once official confirmation was received from the world governing body.
Bergson, 35, is a Brazilian-born forward who joined JDT in 2021 and completed five years of residency in Malaysia last February, paving the way for his naturalisation to represent Harimau Malaya.
Meanwhile, defender Tapp, 25, is a Sydney-born heritage player who joined JDT from Australian side Central Coast Mariners in July.
The confirmation comes at an opportune time for Malaysia as the team prepares for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Jakarta late this month, offering head coach Tan Cheng Hoe broader tactical options. — BERNAMA
