Malaysian media still aim for a clean sweep despite the risk of losing to Vietnam by default

Malaysian media call on their team to pursue an unbeaten run in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying rounds, amid the risk of the Malaysian team being penalized with match forfeits related to FIFA and AFC disciplinary rulings.

According to Malaysia’s Makanbola, the national team carries the significant responsibility of finishing the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a flawless record. Coach Peter Cklamovski’s squad currently leads Group F with a perfect 15 points from 5 matches, holding a 3-point advantage over second-placed Vietnam. Since only the group winner qualifies directly for the final tournament, Malaysia knows they cannot afford any slip-ups, especially in the last match against Vietnam.

Malaysian media emphasize that the emphatic 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the first leg back in June 2025 at Bukit Jalil Stadium is the foundation for the team’s goal of achieving a perfect record in the qualifiers. This victory was also a rare win over Vietnam after nearly 11 years, providing a significant morale boost. Makanbola wrote: "The win against Vietnam ended Malaysia’s nearly 11-year wait without beating the 'Golden Star Warriors'. However, considering the last five encounters, the advantage still leans towards Coach Kim Sang-sik’s squad."

However, behind this ambition lies a grim scenario involving disciplinary sanctions. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) recently received penalties from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee during the meeting on December 12, 2025, related to the use of ineligible players. Specifically, Malaysia was found to have illegally fielded 7 naturalized players, resulting in forfeits of three friendly matches in 2025 against Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine, all recorded as 0-3 losses.

This penalty has drawn significant regional attention because it opens up the possibility that matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers could also be reviewed. If the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) applies similar sanctions as FIFA, Malaysia risks forfeiting two qualifying matches against Nepal and Vietnam. In such a case, Vietnam would be awarded 3-0 victories, securing their qualification regardless of the final match results.

Notably, Southeast Asian media even speculate a more extreme scenario: Malaysia could be banned from participating in two consecutive Asian Cups, 2027 and 2031, if the penalty is imposed before March 31, 2026. In this situation, the second leg match between Vietnam and Malaysia scheduled for March 2026 might not be held.

Currently, FAM is appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the accusations of using ineligible naturalized players in the Asian Cup qualifiers. Since the qualifiers fall under AFC jurisdiction, the confederation is waiting for CAS’s final ruling before making an official decision. Although no final penalty has been issued yet, many experts believe it is highly likely Malaysia will be handed a 3-0 forfeit loss to Vietnam.