Malaysia faces a harsher penalty than a 0-3 forfeit from the AFC

Malaysia is facing a serious punishment from the AFC that goes well beyond a simple forfeit, putting the team's future on the Asian stage in jeopardy.

A crisis involving seven naturalized players using forged documents has plunged Malaysian football into an unprecedented turmoil. Besides the risk of a 0-3 forfeit in matches against Nepal and Vietnam in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers, the FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) is also preparing to deal with more severe consequences from the AFC.

Previously, FIFA suspended seven players — Gabriel Arrocha, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal, and Hector Hevel — each receiving a 12-month ban and a fine of 2,000 CHF (over 65 million VND). FAM was fined 350,000 CHF (about 11.5 billion VND). More worryingly, based on the Timor Leste precedent, Malaysia could be immediately expelled from the Asian Cup by the AFC, possibly for many years. This is causing significant concern among the public.

Balbeer Singh, President of the Malaysian Law Association, believes FAM has almost no grounds to contest FIFA’s decision. He stated: “FIFA’s Appeals Committee considers FAM’s actions so far to be unserious, and the individuals involved have yet to be identified.” This is why Malaysia is seen as not fully cooperating.

According to Balbeer, the collective responsibility being overlooked is the reason for FIFA’s dissatisfaction. He emphasized: “Until now, no one has been identified as the person who forged the documents. This is unacceptable to FIFA.” FAM’s weak appeal was outright rejected, increasing risks during the post-investigation phase.

After FIFA, the AFC is expected to take the strongest action once the CAS appeal process concludes. Balbeer warned: “The Timor Leste case is almost identical to what is happening now.” In that case, the penalty caused Timor Leste to disappear from the Asian football scene for eight years — a scenario Malaysia might face.

At a time when the Malaysian national team has just rebuilt its regional standing, the threat of a “much harsher” penalty from the AFC would be the biggest shock to Malaysian football in years. If FAM cannot identify those responsible and prove a genuine commitment to reform, Malaysia could enter the darkest period in its modern football history.

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