Vietnam football governing body may raise concerns if AFC ruling on Malaysia eligibility case unfair

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is expected to issue a decision in the coming days over the use of naturalized players by Malaysia during the qualifying campaign.

The case relates to seven naturalized players who were later found by FIFA to be ineligible to represent Malaysia under eligibility rules.

Some of those players took part in a qualifying match against Vietnam's national football team in June 2025, which ended 4-0 in Malaysia’s favor.

Vietnamese football officials said the VFF would consider submitting a formal opinion to the AFC and FIFA if the final decision does not comply with regulations or disadvantages Vietnamese football.

Under competition rules, teams fielding ineligible players can be sanctioned with forfeits for the matches concerned.

The case has remained unresolved for months since FIFA determined the players were ineligible and appeals by the Football Association of Malaysia were rejected.

The delay has drawn criticism from many commentators and fans in Vietnam, as the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign is nearing completion.

FIFA rules on disciplinary proceedings require impartiality in the handling of cases and state that officials should not take part in matters where their objectivity could reasonably be questioned.