FIFA rejects appeal, Malaysia fears ban from the 2027 Asian Cup.

FIFA has rejected the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding the naturalization scandal, upholding the penalties: FAM was fined 11.6 billion rupiah; seven players who were naturalized illegally were banned from playing for 12 months and fined. Malaysian media, particularly Majoriti, warned of the risk of additional sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including the possibility of banning the Malaysian national team (Harimau Malaya) from the 2027 Asian Cup and even the 2030 World Cup.

FIFA sanctions and immediate consequences

FIFA's decision to uphold the ruling has dealt a double blow to Malaysian football: the FAM organization has been fined 11.6 billion rupiah; and seven players who were naturalized illegally have received 12-month bans and fines. This is a highlight in a series of disciplinary measures related to the naturalization process.

Majoriti newspaper warns of the dangers from the AFC.

Majoriti newspaper painted a bleak picture if the situation escalates: "The Malaysian national team is facing the risk of severe sanctions, including the possibility of being banned from major tournaments such as the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup." This view is based on the possibility that the AFC may consider additional sanctions if FIFA's ruling is upheld.

The Timor Leste precedent in 2017

Majoriti drew a parallel to the 2017 Timor Leste case, when the team was banned from the Asian Cup by the AFC due to a similar issue. That precedent was cited as a warning to Harimau Malaya about the severity of disciplinary measures at the continental level.

The possibility of appealing to CAS and the worst-case scenario.

Sources indicate that FAM may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If FIFA upholds the ruling, the AFC will intervene. In the worst-case scenario, Malaysia could forfeit two matches against Nepal and Vietnam, directly impacting their chances of advancing in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

A wave of calls for FAM reform.

Besides concerns about penalties, the scandal has sparked calls for a complete overhaul of the FAM leadership. According to Majoriti, the "repeated disregard for reform pressure" has damaged the reputation and image of Malaysian football, demanding a more decisive response from the governing body.

Key points to note

• FIFA rejected the appeal, upholding the 11.6 billion VND fine against FAM.
• Seven players who were naturalized illegally have been banned from playing for 12 months and fined.
• Majoriti warned of the risk of being banned by the AFC from participating in the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup.
• The precedent set by Timor Leste in 2017 is being recalled.
• Worst-case scenario: potentially losing the matches against Nepal and Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.