BREAKING: AFC still allows Malaysia to complete the Asian Cup qualifiers

The Football Association of Malaysia has until March 31, 2026, to complete the necessary legal processes before the AFC issues its conclusive ruling.

As previously reported, although FIFA has presented solid evidence that the Football Association of Malaysia falsified documents for 7 naturalized players, the matter remains unresolved. Despite FIFA's undeniable proof, the process must follow protocol, and whether Malaysia will be penalized with a 0-3 loss to Vietnam is still far from a final answer.

Although the Malaysian national team is barred from using the 7 naturalized players mentioned, they are still permitted to participate fully in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The deadline for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to complete all legal formalities is March 31, which is also the date of the final matchday in Group F between Vietnam and Malaysia.

AFC Secretary General, Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, stated: "AFC must wait for FAM to complete all legal procedures. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has already issued its substantiated decision, and the next step is for FAM to appeal to FIFA's Appeal Committee, and subsequently to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). All decisions depend on FAM."

He added that FIFA’s decision regarding the players’ eligibility is still pending: "The legal process is ongoing, and only when AFC receives the full outcome from FIFA can we take the necessary actions.

"Basically, the Football Association of Malaysia has until the final matchday of the Asian Cup qualifiers, which is March 31 next year, to complete the legal procedures. AFC will need the final list of eligible teams to proceed with the Asian Cup draw."

Therefore, the AFC will only issue its final verdict on the penalty against the Malaysian FA once the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers conclude. Whether the Vietnamese team will be awarded a win or proceed further must wait until after the final matchday on March 31.

"Currently, the Malaysian team cannot use the seven suspended players, but they may continue to compete in the qualifiers. AFC has regulations and rules, and once the legal procedures are completed, we will act accordingly,"the AFC Secretary General further explained.