VFF: FIFA rejects appeal, Malaysia at risk of losing 0-3 in two matches
VFF confirmed that FIFA kept the penalty for FAM and 7 naturalized players; Malaysia still participated in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers but was at risk of losing 0-3, the decision was made by AFC.
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) confirmed that the FIFA Appeals Committee has rejected the appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized players, upholding the previous penalties. According to VFF, Malaysia is still allowed to play the remaining matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, but according to the disciplinary regulations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the team is at risk of losing 0-3 in the two matches against Nepal and Vietnam for using ineligible players. The final decision is under the authority of the AFC and will be made after FAM completes the legal process, expected no later than March 31, 2026.
FIFA ruling and related disciplinary framework
Late on the evening of November 3, the FIFA Appeals Committee issued a decision to reject all appeals by FAM and 7 players related to the disciplinary decision previously issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. The information was posted by VFF, emphasizing the status of "maintaining the original sentence". This puts FAM in a position where they must continue to pursue legal steps if they want to reverse the result.
In terms of competition, VFF said Malaysia will still be allowed to play in the next matches of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, according to AFC disciplinary regulations, the risk of losing 0-3 in the two matches played against Nepal and Vietnam is present if it is determined that any player is not qualified to play. AFC — as the tournament organizer — will be the final decision maker.
Risk of losing 0-3: impact and scenario
The 0-3 loss (if applied) usually causes major disruption to the group stage. However, according to VFF, the deadline for finalizing all disputes is set before March 31, 2026 to ensure the process of determining the teams participating in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. In the meantime, Malaysia will continue to play as usual, and the results of the two matches mentioned above will be reviewed by AFC after FAM completes all legal procedures.
From a governance perspective, this is a test of the player eligibility system. FIFA’s “upholding of the sentence” sets a clear precedent: international litigation will follow the rules and procedures, while the final decision on the continental arena belongs to the AFC.
Miracles unlikely for Malaysia
The message that “miracles are hard to come by” was mentioned in the context that FIFA has rejected the appeal at the first level. If the AFC confirms the violation of competition qualifications, the scenario of losing 0-3 in two matches is entirely possible according to the disciplinary framework applied in all tournaments organized by this agency.
FAM's response and next steps
According to FAM Acting President Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Haji Mahadi, this is the first time the agency has faced such a situation and both the legal and management departments were surprised by the result. FAM said that it will send a letter requesting FIFA to provide full written reasons before considering the next step of appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). At the same time, FAM affirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of players and the interests of Malaysian football on the international level.
What does VFF say?
VFF clearly informed: FIFA rejected the appeal and upheld the penalty for FAM and 7 naturalized players; Malaysia will continue to compete; AFC is the unit that makes the final decision regarding the two matches against Nepal and Vietnam after FAM completes the legal process. The deadline is no later than March 31, 2026, the end of the final qualifying round.
Milestones to note
- November 3: FIFA Appeals Committee rejects appeal of FAM and 7 players, upholds the suspension.
- Malaysia still competes in the remaining 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
- The two matches against Nepal and Vietnam are at risk of being penalized with a 0-3 loss according to AFC disciplinary regulations.
- AFC will make the final decision after FAM completes legal procedures, no later than March 31, 2026.
At this point, the most important “match” takes place off the field: documents, regulations and deadlines. When the legal whistle blows, the AFC will be forced to make a final judgment to shape the path to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.