Malaysia News: 'AFC confirms Vietnam's complaint about 7 naturalized players'

AFC has confirmed that Vietnam submitted a complaint concerning Malaysia's 7 naturalized players, which led FIFA to intervene and intensify the matter ahead of the ultimate decision by CAS.

Malaysian media outlets simultaneously reported that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) acknowledged receiving a complaint from Vietnam related to the case of 7 naturalized players in the Malaysian national team during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This information was cited from the statement of AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John on the program Sebelas Utama broadcasted on Astro Arena.

According to Makan Bola, AFC only officially became aware of the issue after being notified by FIFA, since the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers are organized by AFC but player eligibility matters fall under FIFA’s jurisdiction. “We received information from FIFA because this is an AFC tournament, the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.” He stated that the review process was initiated immediately after the match between Malaysia and Vietnam in Group F. “We were informed that FIFA was examining all seven players right after the Malaysia vs. Vietnam match.”

Notably, the AFC Secretary General confirmed that the investigation originated from Vietnam’s complaint. “There was an objection from Vietnam. That was the first time we received direct information from FIFA.” According to him, after receiving the information, AFC awaited FIFA’s official investigative conclusion since the verification process usually takes place between FIFA and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). “Typically, the investigation is conducted between FAM and FIFA.”

Initial results indicated that FIFA imposed a 12-month playing ban on the 7 players found to be ineligible.“Subsequently, we received information about the first sanction applied to FAM related to the use of seven players deemed ineligible or not qualified.”

However, the new turn of events brought a breakthrough for Malaysian football when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) approved a request to suspend the enforcement of the sanction. The final verdict is expected to be announced on February 26, 2026, amid concerns that the case could directly affect the standings in Group F and the race for qualification to the 2027 Asian Cup.