Malaysian football and a significant lesson for Vietnam

08/10/2025 06:45:00 ScoreStream

From being the 2010 AFF Cup champions with a squad made up entirely of local players, Malaysian football is now facing a crisis of confidence as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) itself is accused of losing trust in domestic players.

Malaysian football once had many talented U23 players, but most of them have lost their places in the national team due to aggressive naturalization policies and a rush to achieve results.

If FAM’s appeals to FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) are rejected, Malaysia could be handed 0-3 losses against Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

In reality, fielding ineligible players is a clear violation. When FIFA confirms a player is ineligible, the match result is annulled and the opposing team is awarded a 3-0 win. However, the final decision rests with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

According to investigations, the AFC Disciplinary Committee will issue rulings based on the severity of the case. If legal proceedings confirm the players’ registration documents are invalid, AFC may impose point deductions or automatic forfeits.

Once the final conclusion is reached, the investigation results will be forwarded to the AFC Disciplinary Committee for review and decision according to tournament regulations.

Facundo Garces (3) is one of seven ineligible naturalized players Malaysia used in the match against Vietnam in June 2025. Photo: Tuan Pham

Currently, Malaysian fans have lost faith in the honesty and transparency of FAM. They have expressed anger and confusion after FIFA released full findings showing FAM submitted falsified documents during the registration of seven foreign-origin naturalized players who appeared in the June 2025 match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The recent scandal in Malaysian football serves as a warning to many other football nations, including Vietnam. Clearly, football development is a long-term process requiring strategic vision and a solid foundation in youth training, not something that can be achieved through money or short-term cheating.

Vietnamese football is observing and learning lessons to maintain clarity and steadfastness in development based on internal strength.

We do not close the door on naturalized players; cases like Xuan Son show this resource can add value. In the near future, the Vietnam national team may welcome players such as Hendrio, Gustavo, Geovane, Janclesio, Rimario, along with overseas Vietnamese born and raised abroad.

However, the prerequisite is to ensure legal compliance and full adherence to the laws, FIFA, and AFC regulations. Alongside that, the Vietnam team must also create opportunities for young players to train, develop their talents, and establish their positions in the national team.

Football cannot advance by shortcuts. Any impatience or rule violations will come at a cost.

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