Malaysian team CEO speaks on AFC penalty, focuses efforts for rematch against Vietnam team

Malaysian team CEO Rob Friend has issued an official statement regarding the penalty of a 0-3 forfeit in the two matches against Nepal and Vietnam during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

He affirmed: "We acknowledge the decision made by the AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Committee concerning the point deduction.

We respect the tournament's procedures and regulations. Meanwhile, this matter is currently being reviewed through appropriate legal channels.

During this period, our priority remains clear: to continue supporting the players and coaching staff, and to ensure they are in the best condition to represent Malaysia with professionalism, unity, and pride.

Currently, our entire focus is directed towards preparations for the upcoming match against the Vietnam team, where the team will play with the same confidence, courage, and discipline demonstrated throughout 2025.

We extend our gratitude to the fans for their continuous support and faith in the team."

The Malaysian team is scheduled to assemble from March 23rd onwards to prepare for the return match against the Vietnam team at Thiên Trường Stadium (Ninh Bình) on March 31st.

However, as of this morning, head coach Cklamovski has still not announced the list of summoned players.

Head coach Cklamovski and CEO Rob Friend themselves have also been urged to resign after the AFC imposed the penalty on the Malaysian team two days ago.

"For me, they are no longer significant because their presence in the Malaysian team stems from the 15 million ringgit budget (approximately over 100 billion VND) that the team received.

This budget will not be increased, despite the government initially promising a total increase to 30 million ringgit (approximately over 200 billion VND). I am not sure this budget will continue to be allocated after the recent incident (the illegal naturalization of foreign-origin players and the penalty). Furthermore, there will be no more major tournaments until the next World Cup qualifiers (2030).

The Malaysian team should not employ such an expensive coaching staff. We need a coach who can reshape the national team and prioritize domestic players. Therefore, I think they should voluntarily leave the team without being dismissed. Otherwise, we will also demand their resignation," football expert Zakaria Rahim responded in an interview with Astro Arena reporter Fina Nasrom on March 18th.