AFC is concerned about the tournament collapsing due to Malaysia’s illegal naturalized players.

AFC has raised concerns over the risk of disorder in the tournament as Malaysia fields illegally naturalized players while CAS has only provisionally lifted FIFA’s penalties.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is voicing serious concerns about the possibility of regional and continental competitions facing legal troubles linked to certain Malaysian naturalized players being permitted to play again while awaiting the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

According to regional media, AFC has formally requested clarification on the legal status of three out of seven Malaysian naturalized players previously banned by FIFA and CAS before these sanctions were temporarily lifted. The three players, Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel, and Jon Irazabal, currently play for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

These players appeared on the field and contributed to JDT’s 3-0 victory over Shan United (Myanmar) in the group stage of the ASEAN Club Championship on January 29. It is highly likely that this trio will also participate in the crucial match against Nam Dinh Steel on February 5 at Thien Truong Stadium, a game that will decide the top spot in the group. Not only were they allowed to play in the Southeast Asian tournament, but they also received clearance to compete in the Malaysian domestic league and the AFC Champions League Elite.

AFC Secretary General Datuk Windsor John Paul confirmed that the players’ return to the field was based on the provisional decisions by CAS and FIFA. However, he emphasized that AFC faces significant risks during this “transition phase” when players are allowed to play but still risk unfavorable rulings.

“There is a considerable risk that the players continue to participate while still facing disciplinary action,” Windsor warned. According to the AFC leader, if CAS issues a final ruling unfavorable to the players, the consequences will be extremely complicated: whether the match results remain valid, if the standings will be altered, and how the integrity of the competition will be managed.

AFC also affirmed that it will not issue any special regulations to “protect” clubs in case of potential risks. “The full responsibility lies with the clubs and players. The tournament organizers bear no risk,” Windsor stressed.

To prevent further instability, AFC has officially sent a request to CAS, seeking clarification on the legal consequences for matches played during the temporary suspension periodand on the possibility of implementing mechanisms to safeguard the competition. However, until a final answer is received, all risks remain with the involved parties.