Hidalgo layak wakili Harimau Malaya

Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) footballer Manuel Hidalgo has been confirmed as eligible to represent the national team by the Federation of Malaysian Football Associations (FAM). Noor Azman Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of FAM, stated that the association received confirmation from the international football governing body Fifa regarding Hidalgo's eligibility.

The 27-year-old Argentine player is now set to be included in Malaysia's squad for the FIFA Asean Cup in Indonesia at the end of the month. However, FAM has not yet granted permission to another JDT player, Shane Lowry. Regarding Hidalgo's inclusion, Noor Azman said the Malaysia squad will be announced soon, possibly tomorrow. Hidalgo's presence is expected to add strength to the national team, which had previously been granted a green light by Fifa to include JDT players Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp.

Hidalgo, who completed five years of playing in Malaysia, began his career with Sri Pahang in 2021 before joining JDT in 2024. When asked about a petition concerning Kuala Lumpur City FC's defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Noor Azman said he needs more detailed information about the matter first. Notably, on Sunday, FAM announced that Fifa had confirmed the eligibility of Brazil's striker Bergson, 35, and Australia's defender Tapp, 25, to represent Malaysia. Bergson played for JDT since 2021, while Tapp joined the team from Central Coast Mariners in July.