Fifa to probe Malaysian FA after players banned for forged documents

Fifa is set to launch a formal investigation into the internal operations of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), after the global football body suspended seven naturalised players of the national team over the alleged use of doctored documents, Reuters reported.

The players were banned for 12 months, after Fifa found that false documentation had been used so they could play in a 4-0 win over Vietnam in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in June.

Fifa said: “This investigation shall aim to identify the individuals responsible for the falsification of documents, assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials.”

Ronaldo attends White House meeting between Trump and Saudi crown prince

Portugal’s soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday attended a White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Reuters reported.

Trump is hosting the Saudi de facto ruler as the latter seeks to rehabilitate his global image after the 2018 killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi and deepen ties with Washington.

Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, is contracted to play for the Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until 2027, which is majority owned by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, according to Reuters.

Curacao makes history as smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup

Curacao salvaged a 0-0 draw with Jamaica on Tuesday to become the smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup and will be joined by CONCACAF sides Panama and Haiti which also booked their spots, Associated Press reported.

Curacao finished as the only undefeated nation in the tournament and finished atop of Group B with 12 points to advance to the World Cup for the first time in its history. 

Curacao got the historic result it needed despite not having his coach Dick Advocaat. on the bench. The 78-year-old Advocaat missed the crucial match because he had to return to the Netherlands last weekend for family reasons, according to Associated Press.

Scotland secures first men's World Cup spot since 1998 with 4-2 win over Denmark

Scotland booked their first men's World Cup appearance since 1998 with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday night at Hampden Park, India Today reported.

Stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sparked jubilant celebrations across Glasgow, as Scotland overcame a resilient Danish side that played with ten men for much of the second half. 

The result ensures Scotland bypass the playoffs and qualify directly for next year's World Cup finals in North America, ending a 28-year wait, according to India Today.

Denmark, who required only a draw to progress, must now navigate the playoffs after surrendering crucial points late in the campaign.