Hanoi, 3 November, 2025 – FIFA has officially confirmed that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) falsified documents in the naturalization process of seven players. If the AFC applies disciplinary sanctions by awarding 0-3 forfeit losses to Malaysia in matches against Vietnam and Nepal, coach Kim Sang-sik’s side will be almost certain to qualify for the Asian Cup 2027 Finals.
The Asian football landscape could soon witness major changes after FIFA confirmed on the evening of November 3 that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had committed document falsification in the naturalization process for seven foreign players: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomás Garcés, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
FIFA has maintained the initial sanctions announced on September 26, ordering FAM to pay a fine of 350,000 CHF (approximately 11.5 billion VND). Each player involved must also pay 2,000 CHF (around 66 million VND) and is banned from all football-related activities for 12 months.
The next step will come from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which is expected to penalize the Malaysia national team for fielding ineligible players during two Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Vietnam and Nepal. Malaysia won both fixtures, but if the AFC annuls these results and awards 0-3 defeats, the standings in Group B will change dramatically.
Currently, Malaysia leads the group with 12 points. However, if both matches are forfeited, they will lose six points and fall to second place with 6 points, while Vietnam would move to the top with 12 points (currently 9, plus 3 from the adjusted result).
This scenario would make the path to the Asian Cup 2027 Finals much easier for Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his players would only need one more point in the upcoming match against Laos on November 18 to officially secure qualification — regardless of Malaysia’s remaining results. Even if Malaysia win their final two matches, they would still finish with only 12 points, while Vietnam would hold the advantage thanks to goal difference and head-to-head record.
Such a decision would mark a historic disciplinary precedent in Asian football, highlighting FIFA’s and AFC’s determination to uphold integrity and transparency in player registration. For Vietnam, it could mean early qualification and a morale boost as the team aims to prepare thoroughly for the Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
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