Vietnam’s FIFA disciplinary committee member recused from Malaysia nationality case

Nguyen Thi My Dung, a lawyer and current FIFA disciplinary committee member, is required under FIFA’s code to recuse herself from any cases involving her home country or its direct opponents.

The case involves seven naturalized Malaysian players who featured in an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam. 

FIFA is investigating claims that FAM submitted false documentation during the naturalization process.

Malaysian media had raised concerns that Dung’s presence on the committee could affect the impartiality of the proceedings.

However, under Articles 35 and 36 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, members must step aside from any case where their neutrality could be questioned.

FIFA confirmed that the adjudication will proceed without involvement from committee members with potential conflicts, including representatives from Vietnam and Malaysia.

The disciplinary committee, chaired by Mohammed Al Kamali of the United Arab Emirates, reviews violations ranging from player misconduct to administrative breaches. 

Sanctions can include fines, suspensions, and disqualification from competitions.

Dung, who also serves as an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, was elected to the FIFA committee at the 75th FIFA Congress in May.

Last week, FAM and seven Malaysian players were fined CHF 350,000 (US$438,225) and received 12‑month bans after FIFA found falsified documents used to field the players in a 4‑0 win against Vietnam in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier in June.

Each player was also fined CHF2,000 ($2,505).