Malaysian football's president says Vietnam complained to FIFA over its foreign players' eligibility

Hector Hevel (number 13) celebrates the opening goal for Malaysia in the 2-0 win over Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Malaysia on March 25, 2025. Photo by FAM

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) confirmed to AFP on Thursday that it had filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding a 3-0 win against Malaysia as their opponent fielded an ineligible player, Hector Hevel, in their clash on March 25, 2025, in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Malaysia won the match 2-0.

Mahadi said the association is aware of Nepal's complaint, but stated "there is no need to panic," emphasizing that it was the same issue raised earlier by Vietnam.

"It's the same situation as Vietnam. We don't have to think too much about Nepal's complaint, what matters now is the outcome of our appeal," he said, as quoted by New Straits Times. "Whatever Nepal is raising is related to the same seven players. So, whether we win or lose our appeal, the effect will be the same for both matches, against Vietnam and Nepal. We have to wait for the decision."

Mahadi affirmed that FAM took the complaints seriously but stressed that their main focus was on waiting for FIFA's decision.

"We're not ignoring the complaint, but our full attention is on the appeal. Let's wait for the decision, that's what's important now," he added.

However, according to sources of VnExpress, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has not taken any action regarding FAM's violations and is awaiting the outcome of the appeal against FIFA.

Hevel, who scored the opening goal in Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, also played in Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam on June 10, 2025, along with six other naturalized players sanctioned by FIFA -- Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal and Gabriel Palmero. These players have been suspended from football activities for one year starting Sept. 26 after FIFA found out that their naturalization documents were falsified.

Mahadi became the acting president of FAM after Joehari Ayub's resignation due to health reasons on Aug. 22, the same day that FIFA began the disciplinary proceedings against FAM and the seven players.

Malaysia filed an appeal against FIFA on Wednesday. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, FAM can take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the process expected to take between two and six months, depending on its complexity. In the meantime, Malaysia will continue to compete in the Asian Cup qualifiers, though the results may be adjusted after the final ruling.

After four matches in Group F, Malaysia are leading with 12 points, while Vietnam are in second place with nine points. Laos follow in third with three points and Nepal remains at the bottom of the group with zero.

The penultimate round of the qualifiers will take place in November 2025, with the final round set for March 2026, featuring the highly anticipated match between Vietnam and Malaysia.