Malaysia Forfeits Asian Cup Qualifiers, Vietnam Advances to 2027 Tournament
Kuala Lumpur – A scandal involving ineligible players has resulted in Malaysia being handed 0-3 forfeit defeats in their 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam and Nepal, effectively eliminating them from contention and securing a spot for Vietnam in the tournament. The decision was made by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Tuesday, March 16, 2026.
The Ineligibility Issue
The AFC sanctioned Malaysia for fielding players who did not meet eligibility requirements, specifically related to falsified documents submitted by seven naturalized players. These players include Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. Hector Hevel played a key role in Malaysia’s 2-0 victory over Nepal on March 25, 2025, and all seven players featured in Malaysia’s 4-0 win against Vietnam on June 10, 2026.
AFC Sanctions and Disciplinary Clauses
The AFC applied two key clauses in its disciplinary code: Article 56, which allows for disciplinary action and a minimum fine of USD 1,000 against federations and players violating the rules, and Article 25, which annuls match results, awarding a 3-0 victory to the opposing team along with three points. As reported by VnExpress, AFC Secretary General Windsor Paul John confirmed the application of these clauses in cases of illegal player use.
Impact on Group F Standings
Prior to the sanctions, Malaysia held a strong position atop Group F with 15 points from five qualifying matches. The forfeits have dramatically altered the standings. Vietnam now leads Group F with 15 points, benefiting from the 3-0 win awarded against Malaysia. Malaysia has dropped to second place with 9 points.
With only one match remaining, Malaysia can no longer surpass Vietnam in the standings, guaranteeing Vietnam’s qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. Vietnam joins Indonesia and Singapore as ASEAN representatives in the tournament.
Current Group F Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Vietnam | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1 | +13 | 15 |
| 2. | Malaysia | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 9 |
| 3. | Laos | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 16 | -13 | 3 |
| 4. | Nepal | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 3 |
*Only the top of the standings will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Looking Ahead
Vietnam will proceed to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, although Malaysia faces the consequences of fielding ineligible players. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to AFC regulations regarding player eligibility. MSN reports this marks the latest chapter in a scandal involving forged documents used by the seven foreign-born players.