KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s national football team will maintain its focus on upcoming fixtures despite a points deduction decision by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, according to chief executive officer Rob Friend.
In a statement, Friend acknowledged the ruling while confirming that the matter is currently undergoing review through the appropriate legal channels.
“We acknowledge the decision issued by the AFC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee regarding the points deduction. We respect the regulatory processes of the competition,” he said.
“At the same time, this matter is currently being reviewed through the appropriate legal channels.”
Friend emphasised that the team’s immediate priority remains on-field performance, particularly as Malaysia prepares for a key upcoming match against Vietnam.
“Throughout this period, our priority remains clear to support our players and staff, and to ensure they are in the best possible position to represent Malaysia with professionalism, unity, and pride,” he added.
He stressed that the squad’s preparations have not been disrupted and that the team will approach the Vietnam match with determination.
“Our attention is fully focused on preparation for the upcoming match against Vietnam, where the team will compete with the same belief, resilience, and discipline that the team has displayed throughout 2025,” Friend said.
He also expressed appreciation for supporters who have continued to back the national side amid the uncertainty.
“We thank our supporters for their continued belief in the team.”
On Tuesday, AFC had ruled that Malaysia forfeits two AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers matches after finding the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) guilty of fielding an ineligible player, dealing a major blow to the national team’s campaign.
In a decision delivered by the AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Committee, chaired by Jahangir Baglari, Malaysia’s 2–0 win over Nepal on March 25, 2025, and 4–0 victory against Vietnam on June 10, 2025, have both been overturned and recorded as 3–0 defeats.
The committee found FAM in breach of Article 56 of the AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Code, which governs the fielding of ineligible players. Under Article 25.1, both matches are automatically forfeited.
The fixtures in question were held at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri and the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, respectively.
In addition to the forfeitures, FAM has been fined USD50,000 (approximately RM196,119). – March 19, 2026