Cklamovski took the helm in December 2024 and made an immediate impact. He guided the team to an undefeated 2025 with seven victories, highlighted by a dominant 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers last June.
However, things made a U-turn when FIFA determined that seven foreign-born players had used falsified documents to obtain Malaysian citizenship and represent the national team. Consequently, five of Cklamovski’s matches were overturned into 0-3 forfeit defeats, including their wins against Nepal and Vietnam in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The sanctions pushed Malaysia from the top of Group F down to second place. With six points behind Vietnam with only one match remaining, Malaysia have no chance left to qualify for the Asian Cup next year.
Coach Peter Cklamovski during Malaysia’s 1-0 victory over Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match, at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 18, 2025. Photo by MalaysiaNT |
“The short-term goal to get to the Asian Cup has been ripped away completely by something away from football, away from anything we can control,” Cklamovski said, as quoted by New Straits Times. “There’s heartache, disappointment, frustration.”
Born in 1978, the Australian tactician arrived in Malaysia with an impressive resume. He previously managed in Japan’s J1 League and served as an assistant coach for the Australia national team from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure with the Socceroos, he helped secure the 2015 Asian Cup and participated in the 2014 World Cup under then-head coach Ange Postecoglou. Cklamovski has frequently acknowledged the influence of Postecoglou, who later managed Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the recent scandal and reportedly receiving offers from clubs in Japan and China, Cklamovski chose to stay.
“Twelve months ago, I sat here and said there was a long-term vision to get to a World Cup,” he added. “That would be a hell of a dream. Nothing changes in that regard. The way we play, the mentality we have, the environment we’ve built, there’s evidence we’re moving in the right direction. But you’ve got to take it step by step.”
Under his leadership, Malaysia have earned widespread praise for their tactical discipline. Even when stripped of their seven suspended players and missing injured star Arif Aiman, the team remain determined to secure a victory when they visit Vietnam on March 31.
The announced 28-man roster rely heavily on familiar faces, featuring ten mixed players and three of foreign origin. The squad had a minor setback, as Brazilian striker Bergson and Australian defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco were unable to finalize their registration procedures in time for the clash.
The Malaysia squad departed for a training camp in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, before traveling to Vietnam four days later.
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