Tuesday, March 17, 2026
What Are They Smoking?
I have taken the liberty of translating and copying & pasting the Football Association of Malaysia's response to the recent sanctions passed down by the AFC regarding the Magnificent 7. As a subject, it is one I have steered clear of given its complexity beyond the odd comment of grown adults suddenly realising they had Malaysian grannies.
Instead, what attracts me to the story is the whole response from the FAM. Despite all the proofs which have apparently been shown, they still sit there and act like they have done nothing wrong.
Each response from Wisma FAM elicits just more bewilderment from people leading to many to ask 'just what are they smoking?' or just scream 'stop digging yourselves into a hole!'.
Check out the last paragraph of the official statement. They want to know why they have been punished before deciding what to do next!
For me, they have been a laughing stock ever since they wanted to host Manchester United in a pointless kick around - WHILE they were hosting the AFC Asian Cup back in 2007!
I am reminded of a certain Monty Python sketch!
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has received a decision from the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) which convened on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 regarding the case of sending down ineligible players.
The meeting, chaired by AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Committee chairman Jahangir Baglari, found that FAM had breached Article 56 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code by fielding ineligible players in the following two Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier matches:
1- Malaysia vs Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor on 25 March 2025 which ended with Malaysia winning 2-0; and
2- Malaysia vs Vietnam at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil on 10 June 2025 which ended in Malaysia winning 4-0.
Accordingly, the AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Committee has decided that Malaysia was declared a 3-0 loser in both matches based on Article 25.1 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code.
In addition, FAM was also fined US$50,000 (RM196,119).
FAM will make a written application to obtain reasons for the decision from the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee before considering the next steps to be taken in this regard.
SOURCE - FAM
