KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA, seeking to overturn Nepal’s 2–0 defeat against Malaysia in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

ANFA has alleged that Malaysia fielded ineligible players during the match.

At the center of the controversy is Hector Hevel, who scored a goal on March 25 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

FIFA later ruled that Hevel was an ineligible player.

ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah told Nepal News, “If there is a violation of the rules, the competition regulations allow us to automatically claim the points.”

On September 26, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for fielding seven ineligible players, including Hevel, João Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garses, Jon Erizabal, and Gabriel Palmero. All seven players have been banned from all football activities for one year.

If FIFA upholds ANFA’s complaint, Malaysia’s victory could be annulled, potentially altering the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying table significantly.

Malaysia, currently unbeaten in four matches, has 12 points after defeating Nepal, Vietnam, and Laos.

Vietnam has nine points and advanced to the next stage, while Laos has three points and Nepal, without any points, has already been eliminated.

Nepal will play its remaining matches against Malaysia on November 18 and against Laos on March 31, 2026 to conclude its qualifiers.