Vietnamese (in red) and Malaysian players compete for the ball during their match in the third qualifying round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Anh KhoaThe AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee said on Tuesday that Malaysia used players who did not meet eligibility requirements in matches they had originally won 4-0 against Vietnam and 2-0 against Nepal in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Both results were overturned to 3-0 defeats, and the Football Association of Malaysia was fined US$50,000, the AFC said following a meeting chaired by committee head Jahangir Baglari. The decision reshapes Group F standings, with Vietnam moving to the top of the table and securing qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia, while Malaysia drop to second place after losing six points. The AFC said the sanctions apply to the ongoing qualifying competition, where only group winners advance to the Asian Cup finals.

Source: Tuoitre News March 17, 2026 20:51 UTC