FIFA rejects appeal, Malaysia fears being banned from Asian Cup 2027

FIFA has rejected the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding the naturalization scandal, maintaining the penalties: FAM was fined 11.6 billion VND; 7 players who were illegally naturalized were banned from playing for 12 months and fined. Malaysian media, especially Majoriti, warned of the risk of additional sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including the possibility of banning the Malaysian team (Harimau Malaya) from the 2027 Asian Cup and even the 2030 World Cup.

FIFA penalty and immediate consequences

FIFA's decision to uphold the sentence has left Malaysian football facing a double shock: FAM was fined 11.6 billion VND; 7 players who were illegally naturalized received a 12-month ban from playing and a fine. This is the highlight in a series of disciplinary measures related to the naturalization process.

Majoriti newspaper warns of danger from AFC

Majoriti newspaper painted a grim picture if the incident escalates: "The Malaysian team is facing the risk of severe punishment, including the possibility of being banned from major tournaments such as the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup." This view is in the context that the AFC may consider additional sanctions if FIFA's ruling continues to be maintained.

The 2017 Timor Leste precedent

Majoriti referred to the case of Timor Leste in 2017, when the team was banned from the Asian Cup by the AFC for similar issues. That precedent was cited as a warning to Harimau Malaya about the severity of the disciplinary framework at the continental level.

Possibility of appeal to CAS and worst case scenario

Sources said FAM may continue to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If FIFA still upholds the decision, the AFC will step in. In the worst case scenario, Malaysia could be awarded two defeats against Nepal and Vietnam, directly affecting their chances of advancing to the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Wave of calls for FAM reform

Aside from concerns about punishment, the scandal has sparked calls for a complete overhaul of FAM’s leadership. Majoriti said the “continuous disregard for pressure for reform” has damaged the reputation and image of Malaysian football, requiring a more decisive response from the governing body.

Points of interest

• FIFA rejected the appeal and upheld the fine of 11.6 billion VND against FAM.
• 7 players who were illegally naturalized were banned from playing for 12 months and fined.
• Majoriti warns of the risk of AFC ban from participating in Asian Cup 2027 and World Cup 2030.
• The 2017 Timor Leste precedent is reiterated.
• Worst case scenario: could be penalized for losing the match against Nepal and Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.