Malaysian media express concern over 8 naturalized players in Vietnam's national team

In the midst of an uncommon quietness in Malaysian football, the strategy to deploy naturalized players by the Vietnamese team has unexpectedly attracted considerable interest.

According to the New Straits Times, the Malaysian national team is engulfed in a “frightening silence” ahead of the crucial match against Vietnam on March 31. The newspaper reports that social media platforms, the team’s website, and the Football Association of Malaysia have all remained inactive, even though the rematch is fast approaching.

The New Straits Times highlights that this silence follows FIFA’s sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia and seven naturalized players accused of document forgery. Head coach Peter Cklamovski and his staff have kept preparation plans confidential, sparking many rumors. At the end of the analysis, the Malaysian press specifically expresses concern about the naturalized players Vietnam is preparing to field.

According to Malaysian media, under coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam is expected to summon up to eight naturalized players for the next squad gathering, including defender Gustavo Sant'Ana (Đỗ Phi Long), midfielder Hendrio Araujo (Đỗ Hoàng Hên), alongside key player Nguyễn Xuân Son. Malaysian reports suggest these additions could “completely change the dynamics” of the rematch.

Besides overseas Vietnamese players like Đặng Văn Lâm and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, the Malaysian press also emphasizes: "The Vietnamese team will add high-quality naturalized players of foreign origin. All of them currently meet eligibility criteria as they have lived and worked in Vietnam for over five years, according to FIFA regulations." They also underline that the squad’s strength across all positions significantly boosts the “Golden Star Warriors,” especially since Malaysia is almost certain not to be able to use the seven banned players again.

This situation becomes even more sensitive as the case has been brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a final decision expected on February 26. According to AFC updates, the seven involved players are currently “only allowed to compete for clubs,” while their eligibility for the national team remains unconfirmed.

AFC Secretary General Windsor John Paul stated: “We are in discussions with FIFA to obtain all detailed information. So far, they are only permitted to play for their clubs.” He also confirmed that AFC must await the final ruling from CAS before making any further decisions.

The New Straits Times considers the match at Thien Truong Stadium a pivotal moment in the race for the top spot in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Vietnam is thought to possibly call up eight naturalized players, a detail that has made Malaysian media particularly cautious. However, the group’s outcome ultimately depends on the forthcoming CAS verdict, because if the Football Association of Malaysia and the seven players lose the case, Malaysia risks forfeiting matches where ineligible players were used, potentially granting Vietnam a path to the 2027 Asian Cup without relying on on-field results.

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