Regional media surprised by AFC's swift 0-3 defeat of CAHN FC: Tampines wins on paper.

The Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) decision regarding the Hanoi Police (CAHN) is becoming the focus of media attention in Southeast Asia, not only because of the harsh penalty but also because of the "exceptionally fast" handling of the case at a continental tournament.

Less than a week after the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) round of 16, where CAHN FC convincingly defeated Tampines Rovers 4-0 at Hang Day Stadium (February 11), the AFC issued an official ruling on February 17: annulling the result, declaring CAHN FC the loser 0-3, fining them $2,000 USD, and cutting their participation fee by 50% (equivalent to $40,000 USD - approximately 1 billion Vietnamese Dong).

The Straits Times ( Singapore) highlighted the time factor, stating that the AFC took almost no days to issue the penalty. According to the newspaper, CAHN FC was found to have used two ineligible players: Australian midfielder Stefan Mauk and Brazilian winger Rogerio (China) – both of whom had accumulated three yellow cards in the group stage and were subject to a one-match suspension under Article 59.1.1 of the ACL2 regulations.

Breaking News: CAHN Club forfeited their AFC Champions League 2 match for using an ineligible player.

The Straits Times pointed out: "As early as February 15, the possibility of the match being altered was mentioned, and just two days later, the AFC immediately announced its final decision – which surprised many football followers in the region. However, it was necessary as the two teams were about to enter the second leg, which would take place in Singapore."

China is one of two CAHN club players identified by the AFC as having violated the rules.

PHOTO: CAHN CLUB

Malaysian media: AFC's decision is valid but "a very decisive blow".

In Malaysia, Astro Arena, Bikem Malaysia , and MakanBola all unanimously acknowledged the AFC's penalty as "legal," but also admitted the speed and decisiveness of the handling of the case. Astro Arena likened Tampines Rovers to "being given an easy victory" before the second leg, while MakanBola considered it a strong warning to clubs about the management of yellow and red cards in continental competitions.

Notably, Malaysian media also linked the CAHN club's case to previous precedents, such as the case of Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan), which was handed a loss for using an ineligible player, or the story of PDRM in the domestic league. The common point is that the AFC always maintains a firm stance, but rarely makes decisions as quickly as this time.

Southeast Asian media outlets predict that CAHN Club will face many difficulties in the second leg match.

PHOTO: CAHN CLUB

In Indonesia, Seasia Goal commented: "This is a surprising turn of events in the knockout round. CAHN FC won on the field but lost on paper, making coach Mano Polking's task extremely difficult ahead of the second leg at Jalan Besar Stadium on February 18th."

However, the AFC also clarified that Stefan Mauk and Rogerio were considered to have "served" their suspensions and were eligible to play in the second leg – a detail that somewhat helped CAHN Club mitigate their disadvantage in terms of personnel, Seasia Goal noted.

"The AFC's swift and clear decision has turned the CAHN club's story into a valuable lesson for Southeast Asian representatives: in continental competitions, even a small administrative error can wipe out all efforts on the field," Astro Arena emphasized.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/truyen-thong-khu-vuc-bat-ngo-vi-afc-xu-clb-cahn-thua-0-3-qua-nhanh-tempines-thang-tren-ban-giay-185260217144230908.htm