{
  "id": 8043166,
  "title": "Argentine-born Hidalgo gets FIFA's green light to play for Malaysia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/argentine-born-hidalgo-gets-fifas-green-light-to-play-for-malaysia",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:06:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1535046/argentine-born-hidalgo-gets-fifas-green-light-play-malaysia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Johor Darul Ta zim (JDT) winger Manuel Hidalgo has received FIFA's approval to play for the Malaysian national team. FAM, the FA of Malaysia, confirmed that FIFA had verified Hidalgo's eligibility according to the governing body's regulations. Born in Argentina, the 27-year-old has been a standout foreign talent in Malaysian football over the past five years. Hidalgo has honed his skills at Argentina's Ferro Carril Oeste and Portugal's Benfica, before playing for Italian side Triestina and England's Sheffield Wednesday. His impressive dribbling and ability to break down defenses caught the attention of Malaysian clubs. After joining Sri Pahang in 2021, Hidalgo had a standout season with Kedah Darul Aman in 2023. He then moved to JDT in 2024, fulfilling FIFA's five-year residency requirement. With his technical prowess, Hidalgo is now expected to be a valuable asset to Harimau Malaya, providing a creative spark to the team.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winger Manuel Hidalgo has officially been cleared by FIFA to represent Malaysia.",
  "key_points": [
    "FIFA approves Manuel Hidalgo to play for Malaysia.",
    "Argentine-born 27-year-old has played in Argentina, Portugal, Italy, and England.",
    "Residency requirement fulfilled in 2024, joining Johor Darul Ta zim."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}