In 2017, the AFC disqualified 12 Timor Leste players of Brazilian origin who played between 2011 and 2015. The wrongdoing was identified after Timor Leste’s Ministry of Justice announced that the passports of these players were illegal. The country's Football Association was found guilty of forging birth certificates, leading to the annulment of 29 match results, including 7 matches in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which also served as 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers. Additionally, Timor Leste was banned from participating in the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Malaysia is currently embroiled in a similar case. FIFA identified 7 foreign-born players who used falsified or invalid civil registration documents to register as players of mixed heritage. These players received a 12-month ban from playing, effective from 9/2025, and were fined 2,000 Swiss francs. Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (over 11 billion VND). The Malaysian side unsuccessfully appealed to both FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Asian Football Confederation General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John attending a press conference at the Football Association of Malaysia headquarters on 16/3. Photo: AFP

The AFC is now handling the case, as Malaysia used infringing players in two victories against Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0) in the final qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. Besides the potential 0-3 forfeiture in these two matches, Malaysia risks being banned from the next Asian Cup qualifiers, similar to Timor Leste.

However, AFC General Secretary Windsor John affirmed that the two cases have different contexts. "The Timor Leste case was discovered after the tournament concluded", Mr. Windsor said at a press conference at the FAM headquarters this afternoon. "Therefore, we could not apply retrospective penalties, instead banning them from the next tournament".

In contrast, the AFC discovered Malaysia's violation while the tournament was underway. "That means any form of sanction can be applied immediately", the AFC General Secretary added.

According to regulations, penalties the AFC can impose include a 0-3 forfeiture for teams using players who violate eligibility rules under article 25, and fining players and member associations a minimum of 1,000 USD under article 56. This penalty is similar to FIFA's decision to declare Malaysia forfeited 0-3 in friendly matches against Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine, in 12/2025.

From the start of the investigation to the final sanction, FIFA and the AFC took approximately 12 months for the Timor Leste case. Meanwhile, the Malaysia case has entered its eighth month.

7 Malaysian players banned by FIFA for one year due to naturalization fraud.

After CAS issued a preliminary ruling on 5/3, the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee officially began its processing. First, they requested FAM to provide an explanation within approximately 7 to 10 days. Afterward, the Committee will meet to evaluate before issuing a final decision, using the existing documentation from FIFA and CAS. If FAM deems the penalty unreasonable, it can appeal further to the AFC Appeals Committee and then CAS.

General Secretary Windsor John urged all involved parties not to spread misinformation. The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee cannot act beyond its delegated authority to minimize the possibility of appeals.

"This matter cannot be taken lightly, but the facts must be assessed. The Committee has power, but within the limits of AFC disciplinary regulations", Mr. Windsor stated. "I hope the issue is resolved as soon as possible, as it has dragged on for many months".

Additionally, 20 experts from the AFC and FIFA began a comprehensive inspection of FAM's operations in 2/2026. These experts compiled approximately 100 records from various departments. The goal is to complete the inspection report and organize an extraordinary general assembly for FAM before the 2026 World Cup. Furthermore, if any violations are discovered, the individuals involved will face disciplinary review by the AFC.

Hieu Luong