6 months of survival for Malaysian football

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has less than six months to prove its innocence in the naturalization scandal that has shocked the region.

Malaysia must complete all legal processes by March 31, 2026.

According to the announcement from AFC, Malaysia will not be allowed to use 7 players suspended by FIFA for the rest of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, until the entire legal process between FAM and FIFA is over.

The AFC said any disciplinary action or adjustment to the match result would only be applied after the matter was resolved, but no later than March 31, 2026 - the end of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

AFC Secretary General, Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, affirmed: "AFC must wait until FAM completes all legal procedures. The next steps are up to Malaysia. They have the right to appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee, and if necessary, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). All decisions are in the hands of FAM."

Mr Windsor added that FIFA is still reviewing the eligibility of the players in the case, meaning no final decision has been made.

The AFC also clearly set the deadline for FAM to complete the entire legal process as March 31, 2026, right before the AFC holds the draw for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Malaysia has less than six months to clear its name, or face the consequences, including possible points deductions, losing its Asian Cup berth, and facing the biggest crisis in the country's football history.

Source: https://znews.vn/6-thang-song-con-cua-bong-da-malaysia-post1591648.html