Malaysia eliminated from 2027 Asian Cup qualifying after nationality fraud sanctions | OneFootball

Malaysia have been eliminated from 2027 Asian Cup qualifying after sanctions over a nationality fraud case.

The Malaysian FA said in a statement on Tuesday that the AFC had awarded 0-3 defeats in place of their qualifying wins over Nepal, 2-0 on 25 March 2025, and Vietnam, 4-0 on 10 June 2025.

The ruling leaves Malaysia six points behind Vietnam in Group F with one match to play, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament. The FA was also fined $50,000, payable within 30 days.

Before the AFC sanctions, FIFA had fined the FA $444,275 and reclassified three 2025 friendlies, Palestine 1-0, Singapore 2-1 and Cape Verde 1-1, as defeats.

Seven players involved, including Alavés defender Facundo Garces, had been approached last year to represent Malaysia and began naturalisation using forged documents despite having no ties to the country. They have been banned from official matches for one year, though they may continue training with their clubs.

Source: L'Équipe