BREAKING: Malaysia issues ruling, Vietnam national team still must wait

Malaysia Football Association has chosen not to submit an appeal to FIFA and will wait until all the paperwork is complete, despite it being the deadline.

On the evening of October 6, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) released an official statement saying they are still awaiting the complete set of judgment documents from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The appeal process can only begin once the full case files are officially received.

The legal team of the Football Association of Malaysia is prepared to take any further action as soon as the related documents are obtained. Once they receive the full ruling, FAM’s legal staff will file an appeal supported by strong evidence.

As of the final day within the 10-day period for Malaysia Football Association to appeal FIFA’s sanction, no concrete action has been taken. FAM stated they will wait until they receive the complete documentation from FIFA before initiating any appeal.

As expected, the case of Malaysia being heavily fined by FIFA for illegally naturalizing 7 players remains unresolved. Whether Malaysia will be handed a 0-3 defeat against Vietnam’s national team is still uncertain in the near future. Even after the FIFA Days in October, the outcome may remain unclear. Malaysia may also take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Previously, according to FIFA’s announcement, the Football Association of Malaysia submitted verification documents along with altered paperwork to register 7 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 AFC Asian Cup 2027 third qualifying round on June 10, 2025, at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

After reviewing and assessing the evidence, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee decided to fine FAM 350,000 CHF (Swiss francs). Each of the seven players was fined 2,000 CHF and banned from football activities for 12 months starting from the announcement date. Additionally, the eligibility of these players was referred to the FIFA Football Tribunal for further consideration.