FIFA clears Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp for Malaysia ahead of inaugural ASEAN Cup clash with Indonesia
FIFA confirms Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp are eligible for Malaysia's national team ahead of the ASEAN Cup. Manuel Hidalgo and Shane Lowry await clearance.
Source: GOAL · September 22, 2026 at 6:02 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceJAKARTA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has secured a strategic advantage for the national team’s upcoming regional campaign, as FIFA has officially cleared two key naturalized players to represent the country.
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The world governing body confirmed that Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) striker Bergson da Silva and defender Brad Tapp are eligible to feature for the Harimau Malaya ahead of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup.
This clearance resolves a period of uncertainty regarding squad composition, allowing the interim coaching staff to finalize their selection for the tournament scheduled to commence in Jakarta.
The confirmation marks a significant development in Malaysia’s long-standing strategy to integrate high-profile foreign-based players into the national setup, a policy that has become central to the country’s competitive ambitions in Southeast Asian football. By securing the eligibility of two of JDT’s most impactful performers, FAM addresses immediate tactical needs in both attack and defense.
The move shows the administrative success of the association in navigating the complex international transfer and eligibility regulations that govern player nationality in football.
Bergson da Silva, the 35-year-old Brazilian-born forward, has fulfilled the five-year residency criteria required for naturalization, having been with JDT since early 2021. His availability provides a attacking reinforcement for the national side, given his extraordinary statistical record at the club level. Bergson has registered 198 goals and 35 assists across 193 appearances in all competitions for JDT, establishing himself as the talisman of the club’s offensive output.
His inclusion offers the national team a proven goal-scoring threat who has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in the domestic league.
In defense, Brad Tapp has been cleared via ancestry, a process that required verification confirming he had never earned a senior cap for Australia. The 25-year-old, 183cm centre-back joined JDT from the Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners during the summer 2026 transfer window. Since his arrival, Tapp has featured in four of five league fixtures this term, providing immediate stability to the backline.
His clearance through the ancestry route highlights the diverse pathways available for players to represent Malaysia, distinct from the residency-based route taken by Bergson.
FAM formally announced the eligibility of both players in an official statement released on Sunday, citing the completion of a review by FIFA’s relevant committee. The association stated: "FAM would like to inform that FIFA has confirmed that two JDT players, Bergson and Tapp, are eligible to represent the Malaysian national team.
FAM received the confirmation after FIFA completed its review of the eligibility status of both players in accordance with stipulated rules and regulations." This official confirmation removes any administrative barriers to their selection, allowing the coaching staff to focus solely on tactical preparation and squad integration.
While the clearances for Bergson and Tapp provide immediate relief, the national team’s squad depth remains partially contingent on further decisions from FIFA. FAM confirmed that the eligibility paperwork for two other JDT mainstays, Argentine forward Manuel Hidalgo and Australian centre-back Shane Lowry, remains under review at FIFA headquarters. The governing body affirmed it is still awaiting a definitive verdict regarding whether the pair will also be cleared to turn out for the national side.
Addressing the ongoing process, FAM explained: "The status of two other JDT players, Manuel Hidalgo and Shane Lowry, is still in the review and verification process by FIFA, and FAM is still waiting for an official decision from the world governing body."
Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who was appointed by FAM in June 2026 following the departure of Peter Cklamovski to Salford City, will guide the squad in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Jakarta from September 25 to October 5. Malaysia has been drawn in Group A, facing a demanding schedule against hosts Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh.
These fixtures will immediately test the match fitness and readiness of Bergson and Tapp, as the team seeks to establish a strong foundation in the new competition format. The clarity on the eligibility of the two JDT stars provides a baseline for the squad’s competitive potential in the group stage.
Related: Football Association of Malaysia · Bergson da Silva · Jakarta