Malaysia was drawn in Group B of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup alongside Iran (ranked 20th by FIFA), Afghanistan (161st), and host nation Tajikistan (106th). Group A consists of host Uzbekistan (55th), Kyrgyzstan (104th), Turkmenistan (140th), and Oman (79th). Iran and Uzbekistan are two of the six Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams that qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Malaysia initially confirmed its participation on 23/6. However, on 16/7, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced its withdrawal.

Malaysian forward Imanol Machuca (left) in action during Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam (in red) in the second leg of Group F of the final round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia, on 10/6/2025. Photo: Malaysia NT

Malaysian forward Imanol Machuca (left) in action during Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam (in red) in the second leg of Group F of the final round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia, on 10/6/2025. Photo: Malaysia NT

According to the FAM, the tournament was initially scheduled to take place during the FIFA international window from 1/9 to 9/9. However, the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 organizers later changed the dates, with the final schedule set from 29/8 to 8/9.

"This last-minute change presents challenges for the national team on all fronts, as clubs are not obligated to release players," the FAM stated. "This schedule directly impacts our ability to assemble the best possible squad, especially with several key players based in Spain, Colombia, and Japan."

Malaysia currently has defenders Facundo Garces and Gabriel Palmero playing in Spain, Dion Cools in Japan, forward Imanol Machuca in Argentina, and Rodrigo Holgado in Colombia.

Head coach Peter Cklamovski, while eager to face strong opponents, agreed with the FAM's decision. "Bringing players to Tajikistan on short notice and expecting them to perform at the highest level is unrealistic," the Australian coach said. "The decision not to participate is the right one, and it's strategic."

According to the New Straits Times, Malaysia views the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup as part of its long-term development strategy. Coach Cklamovski also aimed to win and assess the team's level against top Asian competition. However, the tournament did not meet the criteria of maintaining a minimum 72-hour gap between matches during FIFA international windows.

The FAM acknowledged that the withdrawal might disappoint fans. However, the association and Coach Cklamovski believe it's a necessary step for long-term progress.

Malaysia currently has no plans for alternative friendly matches but will not waste the time. "We will use the September training camp wisely to prepare for the October and November matches against Laos and Nepal in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers," Coach Cklamovski said.

Malaysia currently leads Group F with six points, three points ahead of Vietnam and Laos. The team will play away against Nepal, along with two matches against Laos in October and November. The rematch against Vietnam is scheduled for 31/3/2026.

Trung Thu