Gallifuoco left in limbo as Harimau Malaya dream on hold
KUALA LUMPUR: KL City defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco’s dream of representing Malaysia remains on hold, with the Australian-born centre-back still waiting for an update on his naturalisation process.
KL City defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco's dream of representing Malaysia is currently on hold, as he awaits an update on his naturalisation process. The Australian-born centre-back fulfilled the five-year requirement to qualify for naturalisation after joining KL City in February 2021, but unlike Johor Darul Ta zim (JDT) duo Bergson Da Silva and Brad Tapp, he remains in limbo.
FIFA confirmed the eligibility of Bergson and Tapp on Monday, leaving Gallifuoco hoping that his own wait will eventually yield similar news. The Malaysian FA announced the confirmation, expressing congratulations to Bergson and Tapp, and acknowledging Gallifuoco's own aspirations to represent Harimau Malaya. However, Gallifuoco remains uncertain about his future, stating that he still has no news to share.
The delay has already cost him one opportunity to make his Malaysia debut against Vietnam in March, as he had to cancel tickets for his parents who were planning to attend the match. Gallifuoco expressed his disappointment, highlighting that his dream was to play against Vietnam. With the FIFA Asean Cup approaching from September 21 to October 6, Gallifuoco now doubts his chances of donning the Harimau Malaya jersey.
The naturalisation statuses of two other JDT players, Manuel Hidalgo and Shane Lowry, are also under review, waiting for an official decision from FIFA.
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