Mats Deijl, a Dutch footballer who plays as a right-back for Go Ahead Eagles, has officially been declared ineligible to represent the Malaysian National Team.
This decision was confirmed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) following a notification from FIFA rejecting Deijl’s naturalization request. Deijl had previously expressed his interest in joining the Harimau Malaya squad, hoping to represent Malaysia internationally.
The rejection was outlined in an official letter issued by FIFA after FAM inquired about Deijl’s eligibility status. According to the letter, Deijl does not meet the criteria to play for the Malaysian national team.
Although he has Malaysian ancestry, the connection stems from a distant ancestor, which does not satisfy the eligibility requirements under FIFA's regulations.
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FAM also emphasized that this decision fully complies with Article 8 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, which outlines FIFA's strict criteria regarding players seeking to change nationality to represent a national team.
Unfortunately, despite his Malaysian heritage, Deijl did not fulfill the necessary conditions to switch his football nationality.
This decision is undoubtedly a disappointment for both Deijl and FAM, as they had hoped he could bolster Malaysia’s defensive line. However, FIFA’s regulations aim to maintain the integrity of international competitions by ensuring that players representing a country have a more direct and significant connection to it.
Mats Deijl’s Profile
Mats Deijl is a professional footballer born in the Netherlands on October 15, 1997. He currently plays as a right-back for Go Ahead Eagles, a club competing in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football.
Deijl is known for his solid defensive skills and significant contributions to the attack from the right flank. His ability to balance defense and offense has made him a versatile player frequently relied upon by coaches to maintain the team’s defensive stability.
Deijl began his football journey in the youth academy of Sparta Rotterdam, a club renowned for producing top talent in the Netherlands. There, he developed his discipline and dedication to the sport. His consistent and impressive performances eventually earned him a move to Go Ahead Eagles in 2021.
Since joining the club, Deijl has become a key figure in the first team, particularly with his strong performances in the Eredivisie. He has proven himself to be a reliable defender while also capable of providing effective passes in counter-attacks.
In addition to his club career, Deijl once showed great interest in playing at the international level. Although born and raised in the Netherlands, he has Malaysian ancestry from his distant ancestors. This connection led him to seek naturalization with the hope of playing for the Malaysian National Team.
His interest was welcomed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), which supported his naturalization process. However, following FIFA’s evaluation, his application was denied due to the distant nature of his Malaysian lineage, which did not meet the eligibility criteria established by FIFA.
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Staying Focused in Europe for a Bright Future
FIFA’s rejection was undoubtedly a major disappointment for Deijl, who had hoped to don the Harimau Malaya jersey. Nevertheless, this setback has not deterred him from continuing his professional football career.
Deijl remains focused on his career in Europe, continually working to improve his abilities and contributions to Go Ahead Eagles. At a relatively young age and with a long career ahead, Deijl has many opportunities to grow and achieve success at the club level.
As a right-back, Mats Deijl possesses a complete skill set that makes him a key player in defense. His physical strength, combined with his tactical intelligence on the field, makes him a formidable opponent.
Additionally, his ability to deliver crosses and assist in attacks poses a dual threat to opposing teams. By maintaining his focus on performance and personal development, Deijl is expected to continue shining in Dutch football, and who knows—new opportunities to play on the international stage may arise in the future.
