Malaysia accepts AFC's ruling of defeat to Vietnam, only seeking one thing?

Reputable regional media reveal that the Football Association of Malaysia has shifted its appeal strategy, almost conceding the loss and now focusing solely on mitigating another consequence.

According to Seasia Goal (Indonesia), the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has made a significant change in handling the case involving naturalized players. Instead of continuing to defend the position of being “completely innocent,” FAM is reportedly accepting the possibility of defeat and shifting focus to lessen the repercussions.

Specifically, Malaysian football is likely no longer prioritizing proving its innocence as it did previously when dealing with FIFA. When bringing the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), FAM is said to concentrate its appeal on reducing the twelve-month suspension for seven naturalized players, rather than disputing the entire case.

According to Seasia Goal, this implies that FAM almost indirectly admits to using ineligible players in several key matches. This is considered a crucial basis for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to issue the final decision regarding the two matches against Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Notably, Seasia Goal states that the sanctions from AFC have “already been predetermined”, only awaiting official announcement after CAS completes the legal process. The source emphasizes that “The hearing at CAS is not intended to overturn FIFA’s or AFC’s rulings, but mainly to appeal the one-year ban imposed on the players.”

Previously, FIFA ruled Malaysia lost three friendly matches in 2025 due to fielding ineligible players. While matches under FIFA Days have concluded, those under AFC’s jurisdiction must wait for CAS to ensure full legal procedures before announcement.

According to regional media assessments, once CAS finishes the legal process and AFC officially announces its decision, Malaysia will almost certainly have to accept a 0-3 loss to Vietnam. This is seen as a major turning point, not only reshaping the group standings but also leaving long-term consequences for Malaysian football.