AFC issues official ruling on the Malaysia vs Nepal match

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the location for the return match between Nepal and Malaysia in the Asian Cup qualifying round.

According to confirmations from the AFC and the official fanpage of the Malaysian national team, the second leg match between Nepal and Malaysia in the 5th round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on November 18 will be held at Bukit Jalil Stadium. Therefore, Nepal will again be unable to host their home match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, Nepal is still unable to hold their home games for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Previously, when playing as visitors at Binh Duong Stadium in the 3rd round against Vietnam, Nepal chose Thong Nhat Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City) to host their home leg.

As a result, both matches in October between Vietnam and Nepal allowed Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team to play at home, saving travel time and adjusting to the field. Although their performance was not entirely convincing, Vietnam achieved their goal of winning both matches against Nepal.

However, fans are currently concerned about whether Malaysia will be penalized with a loss for the first leg against Nepal, similar to the 4-0 win over Vietnam. In that match, Malaysia defeated Nepal 2-0, with Hector Hevel (one of seven ineligible naturalized players) scoring for Malaysia.

It is known that the Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has filed a complaint to FIFA after midfielder Hector Hevel, who scored one of the two goals for Malaysia in their 2-0 victory at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on March 25 during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, was declared ineligible to play by the organization.

This action followed FIFA’s decision on September 26 to sanction the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for falsifying documents related to seven naturalized players in the qualifiers, including Hevel. According to regulations, Malaysia could forfeit 0-3 in both matches against Vietnam and Nepal.