Vietnam beat Laos 2-0, Malaysia fears elimination from the Asian Cup.
Faisal Halim said Malaysia is bracing for the risk of elimination following FIFA sanctions and Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Laos, but still aims to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Laos, coupled with FIFA's penalty for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), puts Malaysia at risk of losing 6 points in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers and potentially finishing behind Vietnam. In this context, Faisal Halim admitted the team had prepared for the worst-case scenario but still tried to maintain focus during the match.
Faisal Halim and his mindset in facing the crisis.
"We are very aware of the seriousness of the situation. Many people are worried about being disqualified or having their results annulled. But on the field, we are still trying to maintain the highest level of focus and give our best," Faisal said.
Despite uncertainties about the future, Faisal Halim affirmed that participating in the Asian Cup remains his guiding principle: "If the team is unfortunately eliminated or the results are annulled, the whole team will certainly be very disappointed with what we have shown. But as professional players, we always dream of participating in major tournaments. That spirit will not change."
He also emphasized internal solidarity, as seven of his suspended teammates face 12-month bans: "Whatever they're going through, we're always there for them. We wish them all the best in the road ahead."
FIFA sanctions: the numbers and scope.
FIFA fines FAM350,000 Swiss francsDue to irregularities in the registration procedures for players of foreign origin, seven players have been suspended:Facundo Garces,Imanol Machuca,Hector Hevel,Gabriel Palmero,Rodrigo Holgado,Joao FigueiredoandJon IrazabalEach person received a penalty.2,000 francsand was suspended.12 months.
| Player | Forms of disciplinary action |
|---|---|
| Facundo Garces | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
| Imanol Machuca | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
| Hector Hevel | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
| Gabriel Palmero | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
| Rodrigo Holgado | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
| Joao Figueiredo | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
| Jon Irazabal | Suspended for 12 months; fined 2,000 francs. |
Impact on the Asian Cup qualifying race
With the risk of deductions6 pointsIn the Asian Cup qualifiers, Malaysia may finish behind Vietnam. A victory.2-0Vietnam's match against Laos came at a crucial time, creating an advantage for coach Kim Sang-sik's team while increasing pressure on Malaysia.
From a psychological perspective, off-field instability often challenges concentration and match rhythm. However, as Faisal Halim stated, Malaysia prioritizes keeping the coaching room separate from the pitch, maintaining their fighting spirit and their goal of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Vietnam 2-0 Laos: a source of strength in the current context
The 2-0 victory against Laos helped Vietnam consolidate their momentum towards qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup. Conversely, this is a crucial variable when considering the penalty Malaysia is facing, making the situation unfavorable for them if a points deduction scenario occurs.
A spirit of crisis defense and maintaining objectives.
Despite the legal setback, the message from the Malaysian dressing room is one of unwavering support. They stand by their suspended teammates while remaining focused on their duties on the field. Although the prospect of elimination has been mentioned, the team remains focused on qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup – a goal repeatedly emphasized in statements by Faisal Halim.
Right now, every number—from the 350,000 Swiss franc fine, the 12-month suspension for seven players, to the risk of a six-point deduction—carries real weight. But Malaysia's reaction, as they themselves have stated, will be to maintain their rhythm, stand together, and wait for the final conclusion, while Vietnam has already capitalized on the opportunity with a 2-0 victory over Laos.
