FIFA Ruling: Ineligible Players Cost Malaysia Asian Cup Qualification Spot

FIFA Ruling: Ineligible Players Cost Malaysia Asian Cup Qualification Spot

By BSN Sports 

Malaysia’s bid to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup has come to an abrupt end following disciplinary action by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over a player eligibility scandal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a ruling announced on Tuesday, the AFC determined that Malaysia had fielded ineligible players in their recent qualifying matches against Nepal and Vietnam. As a result, both victories have been overturned and recorded as 3–0 forfeits.

The decision leaves Malaysia six points behind group leaders Vietnam in Group F, effectively ending their qualification hopes with only one match remaining.

In addition to the forfeitures, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been fined $50,000, which must be paid within 30 days. The association said it would seek detailed clarification from the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee before deciding on its next steps.

The latest sanctions follow a related ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which earlier this month partially upheld penalties imposed by FIFA concerning seven players linked to the case.

The players were found to have represented Malaysia using falsified naturalisation documents. CAS confirmed that they will serve 12-month suspensions from official matches, although they are permitted to continue training with their respective clubs. The arbitration body also upheld a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately $444,275) imposed on FAM.

Among those sanctioned is Facundo Garcés of Deportivo Alavés, along with Gabriel Arrocha (Unionistas de Salamanca), Rodrigo Holgado (América de Cali), Imanol Machuca (Vélez Sarsfield), João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel (Johor Darul Ta’zim).

The controversy dates back to September, when FIFA uncovered irregularities in documentation used to clear the players for participation in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.