Are Lee Tuck and Aguero considered local players now?

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Lee Tuck and Sergio Aguero Are Now Considered Local Players by the Malaysian Football League

The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has approved Sri Pahang FC's appeal to register naturalised footballers Lee Tuck and Sergio Aguero as local players, effective from the 2022 Malaysia Cup competition. This decision follows an amendment to the MFL's competition rules that removes a five-year waiting period for players who have obtained citizenship to be registered locally. While this rule change aims to align with the Malaysian Constitution, the eligibility of any naturalised player to be registered locally remains contingent on FIFA's Eligibility Rules, which require five consecutive years of residency in Malaysia.
Rule Amendment Facilitates Local Registration

The MFL amended its competition rules, specifically Article 3.4.9 (ii), to eliminate the stipulation that a player obtaining citizenship must wait an additional five years before being registered as a local player. This amendment was implemented to prevent conflicts between the Malaysian Constitution and the MFL's existing competition rules. Sri Pahang FC had previously attempted to register both Lee Tuck and Sergio Aguero as local players during the second registration period, which ran from May 28 to June 24.
FIFA Residency Rule Remains a Condition

Despite the MFL's rule amendment, the registration of naturalised players as locals is still subject to FIFA's Eligibility Rules. A key requirement under these rules is that a player must have resided in the country for five consecutive years. Therefore, while Sri Pahang FC can now register Tuck and Aguero as local players, their eligibility ultimately hinges on meeting this FIFA residency criterion.
Naturalisation Programme Status Unchanged

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had previously decided to halt the national naturalisation programme on August 17 of the previous year. However, this decision does not preclude individual Malaysian League teams from submitting applications to the government to naturalise players. The discontinuation of the official programme does not affect the ability of clubs to pursue naturalisation for their foreign players through governmental channels.
Precedent of Naturalised Players in Malaysian Football

Malaysia has a history of utilising naturalised players in its national team. Prior to the current situation with Lee Tuck and Sergio Aguero, three players had previously been granted naturalised status and represented the Harimau Malaya squad. These players include Mohamadou Sumareh, Liridon Krasniqi, and Guilherme De Paula, all of whom have donned the national colours.

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Are Lee Tuck and Aguero considered local players now?

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