The AFC's initial response when Malaysia was severely sanctioned by FIFA

AFC released its initial announcement about FIFA's disciplinary ruling on the Football Association of Malaysia.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has issued a statement acknowledging the decision made by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee on September 26, 2025, concerning the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players who violated FIFA's disciplinary regulations.

In today’s statement, AFC emphasized its awareness of the seriousness of the case and the potential consequences this ruling may have on AFC-organized competitions. Based on this, AFC will carefully review the situation according to applicable regulations after FIFA’s proceedings are concluded.

Previously, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee determined that FAM submitted verification documents with forged materials to register seven players: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano. These players appeared in the match between Malaysia and Vietnam during the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers held on June 10, 2025, at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

According to FIFA’s ruling, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately 400,000 USD), while each of the seven players received a 2,000 Swiss francs fine (over 2,500 USD) and a 12-month ban from participating in football activities. Additionally, their eligibility issues have been referred to the FIFA Football Tribunal for further review.

Under regulations, FAM and the players have 10 days to request a detailed decision and may also appeal to FIFA’s Appeals Committee according to current rules. Once FIFA’s decision takes effect, AFC’s Disciplinary Committee will review and decide on penalties related to FAM’s violations.

It is highly likely that FIFA has not yet imposed sanctions on the Malaysian national team for this match because the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers fall under AFC’s jurisdiction. After FIFA’s ruling is effective, AFC’s Disciplinary Committee will evaluate and rule on FAM’s violations in the match against Vietnam.