The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has garnered widespread praise from regional media for its decisive action against Malaysia, disqualifying the nation from the final qualifiers of the Asian Cup 2027. On 17/3/2026, the AFC ruled a 0-3 forfeiture against Malaysia in two crucial matches from last year, following the use of ineligible players. This decision effectively ends Malaysia's hopes for the 2027 tournament and allows Vietnam to advance.

The AFC's ruling stems from earlier findings by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), both of which confirmed that the Malaysia Football Association (FAM) utilized forged or invalid documents to naturalize seven foreign-born players. These players were used in Malaysia's victories against Nepal (two-zero) and Vietnam (4-0) in 2025, which were part of the Group F final qualifiers.

Argentina-born Malaysian striker Rodrigo Holgado (yellow shirt) playing in the 4-0 win against Vietnam in the second leg of Group F, Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on 10/6/2025. Photo: Malaysia NT

The decision has been met with significant disappointment in Malaysia. The New Straits Times reported, "FIFA found them guilty. CAS affirmed the same, and now AFC has concluded guilt. This is the latest blow to FAM, and hopes for Asian Cup 2027 are shattered." Malaysian television channel Astro Arena sarcastically noted that "Malaysian football welcomes Eid with a farewell to Asian Cup 2027." Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast) is one of the two most important Muslim holidays globally, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This year's celebrations in Malaysia took place from the evening of 20/3 to 22/3.

Prior to the official announcement, concerns arose that the AFC might show leniency towards Malaysia due to their close ties. Malaysia hosts the AFC headquarters, is a founding member with significant influence, and the current AFC General Secretary, Windsor Paul John, is a Malaysian citizen. However, the AFC's strict stance has been widely commended.

Thai newspaper Siam Sports reported, "The AFC showed no leniency. Malaysia could not avoid losing two matches, and Vietnam luckily advanced." Similarly, Daily News commented, "The unfavorable ruling for Malaysia helped Vietnam overcome a difficult situation. But AFC played fair. Their decision was fully compliant with the rules."

The forfeiture of two matches drastically altered the Group F standings. Malaysia, initially leading, dropped to second place with 9 points, now 6 points behind Vietnam. This loss of points means Malaysia will not participate in the finals. Consequently, their final match against Vietnam at Thien Truong Stadium on 31/3 is now merely a formality.

ESPN's Singapore edition suggested Malaysia has only itself to blame. "They will be disappointed not to qualify for the Asian Cup for the second consecutive time. The door was wide open, only needing to avoid a four-goal defeat to Vietnam on 31/3. But now, it's over," the article stated, highlighting the missed opportunity.

In South Korea, Osen newspaper closely followed the developments, particularly regarding compatriot coach Kim Sang-sik. The publication described the outcome as "inevitable" and noted that it has alleviated pressure on coach Kim.

Osen further explained, "The heavy loss to Malaysia once put coach Kim Sang-sik under pressure and calls for resignation, but public opinion changed when the fraud was exposed." The article also raised the possibility of Malaysia facing an international ban, similar to cases involving Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, or Kuwait, depending on FIFA's subsequent actions.

The scandal first erupted in 9/2025 when the FIFA Disciplinary Committee determined that Malaysia had used forged or invalid civil documents for the registration of seven foreign players. This constituted a serious violation of international football principles. The players involved were: Joao Figueiredo (Brazil), Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces (Argentina), Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero (Spain), and Hector Hevel (Netherlands).

As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs. Each implicated player received a 12-month ban from competition and an additional fine of 2,000 Swiss francs. In 12/2025, FIFA further penalized Malaysia with 0-3 forfeitures in friendly matches against Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine, again for using the same group of ineligible naturalized players. FAM incurred an additional fine of 10,000 Swiss francs for these infractions.

FAM appealed these decisions to both the FIFA Appeal Committee and CAS, but both appeals were unsuccessful.