Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for AFC Asian Cup ended by scandal

Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup were dashed after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled out two matches 3-0 for fielding ineligible players, a decision that confirmed Vietnam’s promotion from Group F.The AFC said the action was taken after Malaysia used ineligible players in the final round of qualifying. “The defendants fielded ineligible players in matches related to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup (qualifier final),” the AFC said in a statement. The Kuala Lumpur-based body also fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) US$50,000.After losing the game, Vietnam now leads the group with a six-point advantage, with Malaysia unlikely to catch up. The final group match between Vietnam and Malaysia on March 31 will no longer affect qualifying.“Although this match is no longer decisive for the final group rankings, it is still expected to be a noteworthy match,” the Vietnam Football Association said.The development comes in the wake of a FIFA investigation into Malaysia’s use of foreign-born players. The investigation focuses on the 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June last year and the 2-0 victory over Nepal in March last year. Both results have now been overturned.FIFA found that the players obtained their citizenship through forged documents and did not have Malaysian ancestry or ancestry. According to the governing body, three players are from Argentina, two are from Spain, one is from the Netherlands and one is from Brazil.The players involved are Hector Hever, Jon Elazábal, Gabriel Palmeiro, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Horgado, Imanol Machuca and João Brando Figueiredo.The FIFA Appeals Committee said in its findings that the offense “undermines the foundations of football’s integrity”. It held both players and FAM accountable, stating that seven players “negligently used and benefited from forged documents” and that FAM’s “inability to establish accountability reflects systemic governance shortcomings and a lack of genuine commitment”.