AFC is about to penalize Malaysia with a loss, just before the rematch with Vietnam's national team?

According to journalist Zulhelmi Zainal Azam (Malaysia), the Malaysian Football Association will hold an important press conference on March 16 to update the latest developments regarding AFC's investigation into the case of seven naturalized players in the national team.

Posted on his personal X account on March 14, journalist Zulhelmi Zainal Azam stated: “FAM will hold an important press conference next Monday (March 16), to update on the latest status of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) audit, as well as regarding the possibility of the national football governing body being banned, along with other information expected to be announced following the incident involving seven naturalized players.” 

Accordingly, this press conference will focus on the results of AFC's audit of FAM, and clarify the risks the national football association faces regarding disciplinary measures. Among the scenarios mentioned is that the Malaysian team could be penalized with losses in matches where they used ineligible players during the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Vietnam and Nepal.

It is known that immediately after CAS rejected Malaysia's appeal and upheld the initial disciplinary decisions on March 5, the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee officially received the case file and began the review process to issue further penalties.

According to AFC General Secretary Windsor Paul John, the evaluation and disciplinary decision process typically takes 7 to 10 days. By March 14, this timeframe is nearly complete, so AFC is likely to announce the final ruling on FAM and the Malaysian team soon, possibly early next week.

If the violations are confirmed, the Malaysian team risks being penalized with losses in matches where they used invalid players, which could significantly impact the standings in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifying group. Specifically, if Malaysia is penalized with losses in the two matches against Nepal and Vietnam, Vietnam's national team will secure a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Currently, all attention is focused on AFC's final decision regarding Malaysian football.