Malaysian media delivers great news for Vietnam’s national team regarding AFC’s 0-3 forfeit ruling

Malaysian media unanimously report that AFC is about to award a 0-3 loss against their national team, greatly increasing Vietnam’s chances of qualifying early for the 2027 Asian Cup.

According to Malaysian media, especially the New Straits Times, the spot for the 2027 Asian Cup finals is heavily leaning towards Vietnam after recent developments involving FIFA sanctions and the likelihood that AFC will penalize Malaysia with a 0-3 defeat.

Sources reveal that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has very little hope left to overturn the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where FAM is appealing penalties related to the use of ineligible naturalized players. Meanwhile, AFC has prepared the next steps, including awarding a 3-0 win to Vietnam in the relevant match once CAS issues its final ruling.

Beyond awarding the win to Vietnam, AFC is also expected to deduct points from Malaysia for the match against Nepal. According to the New Straits Times, “Harimau Malaya” could lose up to 6 points in total, which would cost them the top spot in Group F for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. These are two matches Malaysia originally won 4-0 and 2-0 in 2025, but FIFA later confirmed player eligibility violations.

Previously, FIFA had also ruled Malaysia to forfeit three international friendlies for similar reasons. This sanction remains effective despite FAM’s appeal to CAS. As a direct consequence, Malaysia’s FIFA ranking dropped to 121st worldwide, highlighting the severity of the case.

The Berita Harian also revealed that AFC has proposed the entire FAM Executive Committee resign collectively to avoid the risk of the association being suspended. This is seen as a last-resort “lifeline” to prevent FIFA and AFC from taking direct control. In fact, FAM has agreed to this plan. A press conference is expected on January 28 to announce the resignation of the current executive committee and the formation of a temporary committee to manage affairs and prepare for an extraordinary election congress.

Acting FAM President Yusoff Mahadi acknowledged in a January 16 interview that the association’s top priority now is to avoid a FIFA ban and external control.

These rapid developments have caused Malaysian media to lose enthusiasm for the upcoming second leg against Vietnam on March 31. If AFC officially awards Malaysia two forfeits and deducts 6 points, the team’s total points would fall from 15 to 9. Meanwhile, Vietnam currently holds 12 points and would rise to 15 points if granted the additional 3 points, thereby taking first place in Group F and almost securing qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Nepal would also receive 3 points under AFC’s point reallocation plan.

With this scenario, the door to the 2027 Asian Cup is wide open for Vietnam’s coach and players, while Malaysia faces one of the most severe crises in its football history.