Nepal has formally appealed to FIFA to overturn their 2–0 loss to Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, citing the fielding of an ineligible player by Malaysia and recent disciplinary rulings against the Malaysian Football Association (FAM).
The controversy stems from FIFA’s decision last month to ban seven foreign-born Malaysian players for one year and fine the FAM $440,000, accusing them of submitting forged or doctored ancestry documents in order to qualify those players as Malaysian nationals. Among the banned players is Hector Hevel, who scored Malaysia’s opening goal in the match against Nepal held in Johor in March.
In a statement to AFP, Indra Man Tuladhar, CEO of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), said: “We have reached out regarding an ineligible player in the match. Thus the result has to be overturned.” Nepal is requesting that the loss be reversed into a 3–0 win in their favour under competition rules governing matches involving ineligible players.
From Malaysia’s side, the FAM has expressed confidence and is awaiting the outcome of Nepal’s complaint. The New Straits Times reported that Malaysia is undeterred by the appeal and is watching the process closely to see whether their victories—including the one over Nepal—will be upheld or annulled. Meanwhile, FAM has formally filed an appeal against FIFA’s sanctions to the FIFA Appeal Committee (FAC). Acting FAM President Yusoff Mahadi has affirmed that the legal team hired includes international experts and expressed optimism for a favourable outcome.
The stakes are high. Should FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) accept Nepal’s request, Malaysia could be adjudged to have forfeited the match, leading to a default 3-0 loss and recalibration of the Group F standings. Under competition rules, Malaysia could similarly be penalized for other matches in which the now-banned players participated.
The timeline, however, is uncertain. The FAC typically takes 30 to 60 days to process appeals, but complex cases involving multiple document verifications and potential hearings may take several months. If FAM’s appeal fails, they would have 10 days to request a full decision report and can then escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where arbitrations may take upwards of 5 to 6 months.
Currently, Nepal sits at the bottom of Group F with zero points from four matches, having also lost to Laos and Vietnam. Malaysia, meanwhile, lead the group on 12 points, ahead of Vietnam.
Beyond the administrative dispute, Nepal’s campaign has already been under pressure. Their Australian coach, Matt Ross, has acknowledged that even earning a single point in forthcoming qualifying games would be a minor triumph for a squad often viewed as underdogs. The team is also navigating domestic political unrest in Nepal, which has led to disruptions in planning and forced venue changes for matches.
As both sides await the ruling, the spotlight now turns to FIFA, the AFC, and the FAC. Should the appeal lead to overturning the result, it would set a dramatic precedent in Asian Cup qualification — one that could reshape both sporting and administrative dynamics in regional football.
