Ineligible naturalized midfielder Hector Hevel (L) plays in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on June 10, 2025. Photo by Read/Hai Tu
Malaysia is seeking alternative legal avenues to protect the rights of its national football team after being handed forfeit losses by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for using ineligible naturalized players.
In a statement released on Thursday, Rob Friend, CEO of the Malaysia national football team, said they respect the AFC’s regulatory processes, but won’t accept the points deduction.
“This matter is currently being reviewed through the appropriate legal channels,” Friend said, as quoted by New Straits Times.
Before receiving the penalty from AFC, Malaysia had launched appeals through multiple levels of FIFA and took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), ultimately without success.
Friend’s statement indicates that the federation has not yet accepted defeat. His mention of reviewing appropriate legal channels suggests that Malaysia is still exploring other possibilities, which could include internal processes or further legal steps to reduce the penalties.
The AFC sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) under its disciplinary code, which strictly governs the use of ineligible players. The core of the controversy centers on the birth certificates used to naturalize seven foreign-born players, which were deemed to be invalid or forged.
Malaysia’s previous victories against Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers were annulled and officially recorded as 0-3 forfeit defeats. This deducted six points, dropping Malaysia from the top of Group F down to second place, handing the 2027 Asian Cup qualification spot to Vietnam.
In addition, FAM was hit with a $50,000 fine. The entire scandal has severely damaged the organization’s reputation, with local fans publicly labeling the incident a “national shame”.
Despite the backlash, Friend pledged that Malaysia would remain resilient and continue to compete on the international stage.
He stressed that the national team’s immediate priority remains unchanged, which is supporting the players and coaching staff to ensure they maintain their best form.
“Our attention is fully focused on preparation for the upcoming match, where the team will play with the same belief and discipline shown throughout 2025,” Friend added.
Malaysia will play Vietnam in their final 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers game on March 31.
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