Mar 17, Kathmandu - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has penalized the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) for fielding ineligible players in two matches of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Following a disciplinary hearing on March 17, the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee concluded that Malaysia violated Article 56 of the AFC Rules.

As a result, both matches previously won by Malaysia have been overturned, with the outcomes now recorded as 0-3 defeats. The matches in question include Malaysia's 2-0 victory over Nepal on March 25, 2025, at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, and a 4-0 win against Vietnam on June 10, 2025, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. 

According to Article 25.1 of the AFC regulations, the two victories have been nullified, and Malaysia is now officially recorded as losing both games 0-3. 

In addition to the match result reversals, the AFC has imposed a fine of $50,000 USD on FAM, which must be paid within 30 days. Several players, including Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel, were involved in the controversy.

Following the sanctions, Malaysia's points tally in Group F has dropped to 9 points from 5 matches, placing them six points behind Vietnam, who have secured qualification with 15 points. With only one match remaining, Malaysia's chances of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup are now effectively over.

Currently, Vietnam leads Group F, while Laos and Nepal are tied with 3 points each. All teams are set to play their final matches.