Malaysia's national news agency comments on AFC's decision to award a 0-3 defeat to the national team.

As AFC's penalty becomes the focus in Malaysia, the national news agency Bernama has officially addressed the home team's 0-3 forfeit.

Malaysia's national news agency Bernama has officially commented on the incident related to AFC's penalty against the country's national team. Accordingly, the Asian football governing body has made a shocking decision, directly affecting the situation in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Specifically, Bernama quoted the statement with the content: “The AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Committee issued the penalty, awarding a 0-3 forfeit for Malaysia's two matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.” Notably, this penalty stems from Malaysia using an ineligible player. This also marks a turning point that significantly alters the standings of Group F.

The report from Bernama particularly emphasizes: “Malaysia was awarded a 0-3 forfeit against Nepal and Vietnam after using an ineligible player in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.” The two matches awarded as forfeits include the encounter with Nepal on March 25, 2025 and the match against Vietnam on June 10, 2025, regardless of the actual on-field results previously.

Not only limited to the technical penalty, the Football Association of Malaysia also faces a financial penalty. According to the published content, FAM is fined $50,000 USD (approximately 1.3 billion VND) and must complete payment within 30 days as per AFC regulations, following the violation related to the use of an ineligible player.

These adjustments immediately lead to major changes in the standings. From the leading position with 15 points after 5 matches, Malaysia loses 6 points, now having only 9 points, while the goal difference sharply drops from +14 to +2. This is a heavy blow to this team's advancement aspirations.

On the contrary, the Vietnam national team becomes the biggest beneficiary. With the awarded 3-0 victory in the direct confrontation, the red-shirted team increases its total points to 15, goal difference to +13, and rises to the top of Group F with a perfect record after 5 matches, thereby officially securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.

According to the schedule, the return match between the two teams on March 31, 2026 at Thiên Trường Stadium will still take place, but now only holds procedural significance. Nevertheless, this encounter is still expected to be meaningful for FIFA ranking points as well as an important preparatory step for Vietnam's journey in the upcoming Asian Cup.