Malaysia’s national team faces a new sanction from the AFC

While all of Asia is excited about the AFC’s new tournament, Malaysia appears to be excluded from the festivities due to a particular issue.

The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) plan to launch the Nations League is expected to raise the overall standard of football across the continent. However, Malaysia may not benefit from this new competition. According to NewStraitsTimes, the Malaysian national team could be banned from international matches if FIFA decides to extend penalties related to the illegal naturalization of 7 national team players.

The proposal suggests that the AFC Nations League will operate similarly to the UEFA Nations League, with a tiered system designed to provide national teams with meaningful and competitive matches, replacing isolated friendly games.

AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul stated on Monday that this tournament will support 47 member associations by offering a structured match calendar, high-quality competition, and reducing logistical and financial burdens.

The UEFA Nations League, launched in 2018, received widespread praise for delivering top-level matches and attracting large audiences, especially benefiting smaller nations that previously struggled to find competitive fixtures.

According to Zulakbal, a Malaysian football expert, the increased competitiveness will raise the quality standards within teams, as players must maintain consistent form due to the intense nature of the matches. He also emphasized the commercial benefits, noting that competitive games will draw more fans and sponsors.

“More competition will push players to challenge each other, thereby improving quality. National teams will need thorough preparation instead of merely assembling squads for friendlies. Official matches always draw bigger crowds than friendlies. This opens up opportunities for revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and attracting additional sponsors,” he added.

However, Malaysia risks missing the inaugural AFC Nations League if the team is penalized for fielding ineligible players during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers earlier this year.

Dr. Zulakbal stressed that Malaysian football must continue to develop even if the national team is suspended, and suggested that any punishment should be seen as an opportunity for restructuring.

“If Malaysia misses the Nations League due to a ban, it will be a severe blow, especially missing the first edition featuring top teams”, he said. “But when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up. If banned for one or two years, we must use that time to rebuild from the grassroots, from youth football to the national team level".

“A suspension could turn into a disguised blessing if we take the chance to repair and improve our football system”.