AFC warns FAM, Vietnam national team likely to be awarded a 3-0 win over Malaysia

The destiny of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will likely be determined on January 28, 2026, at the time of a special gathering of top officials.

According to SUPERBALL.ID, AFC Secretary General Windsor Paul John has issued stern warnings to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). He emphasized that FAM must undertake serious reforms and end the culture of arbitrary decision-making, as FIFA could impose a suspension at any time.

Arena Metro reports that FAM’s fate will probably be decided on January 28. Arena Metro states: “The FAM Executive Committee will convene on January 28. This special meeting is seen as a pivotal day to decide whether there will be a transition or major changes in the national football governing body following the illegal player naturalization scandal..”

“The meeting will also address the possibility of all members of the FAM Executive Committee resigning en masse. However, according to some sources, some members remain hesitant about stepping down. January 28 will determine whether FAM enters a transition phase or experiences a significant turning point, including the potential mass resignation of Executive Committee members. This date was set because a special meeting will be held with the participation of all senior leaders in the national football administration.”

According to Arena Metro, there were earlier reports that the FAM Executive Committee was considering collective resignation to avoid FIFA sanctions. If this scenario occurs, FAM’s chances of appealing any FIFA penalties at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would be nearly eliminated. If FAM is sanctioned by FIFA, the Malaysian national team will be banned from international competitions and disqualified from the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

At that time, AFC will promptly issue disciplinary decisions and declare Malaysia lost the matches in which ineligible players were fielded. This means that the Vietnam and Nepal teams in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers will be granted 3-0 wins.

“However, if the FAM Executive Committee’s mass resignation is merely a reactive measure without genuine reform, no extraordinary congress to bring real change, and does not clearly demonstrate FAM’s accountability, there is no guarantee it will prevent FIFA sanctions,” journalist Fina Nasrom of Astro Arena commented.

Fina Nasrom also mentioned that AFC has repeatedly expressed concerns about the issues facing FAM. She said: “AFC Secretary General Windsor Paul John has not yet received any decision from FAM regarding whether all Executive Committee members will resign. However, he affirmed he is in a ‘wait and see’ mode ahead of the FAM Executive Committee meeting next week (January 28).”

Most recently, Windsor again urged FAM to stop the culture of arbitrary decision-making. His repeated statements about FAM’s problems highlight the seriousness of the situation and demand substantive actions from Malaysia’s football governing body, rather than mere reactive responses as seen recently.