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AFC faces criticism over Malaysia nomination amid nationality fraud scandal
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is facing criticism following its nomination of the Malaysia Football Association (FAM) for the AFC Member Association of the Year award. This decision has sparked backlash due to a recent controversy involving Johor Darul Ta'zim FC in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).
In March 2026, Johor Darul Ta'zim FC defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-2 on aggregate. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later suspended seven players from the club for suspected falsification of nationality documents. Because the CAS ruling was not applied retroactively, the match results remained valid, a decision that has drawn condemnation from journalists and fans alike.
Separately, in regional football standings, Kashima Antlers currently lead the ACLE East group with six points after two matches, while maintaining a 6th-place position in the J1 League.
Entities
AFC · Johor Darul Ta'zim FC · Kashima Antlers · Malaysia Football Association · Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kashima Antlers currently hold 6th place in the J1 League with 16 points. www.footballchannel.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The AFC nominated the Malaysia Football Association (FAM) for the AFC Member Association of the Year award. football-tribe.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The CAS ruling regarding player eligibility was not applied retroactively, meaning the match results remained valid. football-tribe.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Johor Darul Ta'zim FC defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima with a 3-2 aggregate score in the ACLE Round of 16. football-tribe.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued suspensions to seven players from Johor Darul Ta'zim FC due to suspected nationality document falsification. football-tribe.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Journalist Roman Molina criticized the AFC, stating the organization is encouraging corruption and misconduct. football-tribe.com