Malaysian Fans: 'If We Don't Participate in the AFF Cup, Give the Spot to East Timor'

The draw results for the 2026 AFF Cup have sparked lively discussions among Malaysian fans, with concerns over a FIFA sanction unexpectedly overshadowing the sporting aspects.

The 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup draw placed Malaysia in Group B alongside Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. On paper, this group does not seem too disadvantageous for the "Malaysian Tigers." However, instead of focusing on their chances to advance, the Malaysian fan community is worried about the possibility that the team might not even participate in the tournament.

This concern stems from the case where the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was sanctioned by FIFA regarding naturalized players. FAM’s appeal is currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with no final decision yet. This situation has caused many fans to question Malaysia’s participation in the 2026 AFF Cup.

On social media, many comments express a sense of resignation. One fan wrote: “If Malaysia can’t participate, just give that spot to Brunei or Timor Leste.” This comment quickly gained significant interaction from social media users.

Other fans expressed doubts about the tournament’s legal standing. “Is this Hyundai Cup even going to be played? We are caught up in a lawsuit with FIFA, and the tournament might not have full-strength teams anyway. Let’s just wait and see how things unfold.” The lack of clarity between AFF, FIFA, and the sanctions only adds to fans’ confusion.

On the other hand, some believe the AFF Cup should be taken more seriously. “This time, bring the trophy home, then defend the title for at least 2–3 more editions. Only then will teams send their best squads to compete.” However, this same fan admits it’s unclear how the AFF Cup is connected to FIFA.

Besides worries, some Malaysian fans feel annoyed by internal criticism. “It’s strange that many who speak like Malaysians end up insulting and criticizing their own country.” Meanwhile, the most positive message remains simple: “Play for the fans, don’t worry about anything else, move forward Malaysia!”

Clearly, the 2026 AFF Cup draw not only sets up on-field matchups but also exposes major anxieties surrounding Malaysian football off the pitch.