Malaysia team had to withdraw from Central Asian tournament because of naturalized players

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has decided to withdraw from the 2025 Central Asian Football Championship due to its inability to call up naturalized players.

Malaysia team cannot participate in Central Asian Football Championship because of naturalized stars - Photo: FAM

This announcement was made by FAM on the evening of July 16. It is known that the reason why the Malaysian team withdrew from the tournament was because they could not summon key players (naturalized players) who are playing in Spain, Colombia, Japan and Argentina.

The 2025 Central Asian Football Championship will take place from August 29 to September 8, before the FIFA Days in September. Therefore, FAM cannot ask clubs to release players to join the Malaysian team in this tournament.

In fact, FAM negotiated with the clubs but failed and had to make the decision to withdraw from the tournament.

In the most recent training session, 2/3 of the Malaysian team were naturalized players. Their role in the "Harimau Tigers" is huge and almost irreplaceable.

"We have many players playing in the world's top leagues such as Spain, Argentina, Colombia and Japan. It is impossible for these players to participate in the tournament in Central Asia at a time that is not part of FIFA Days," coach Peter Cklamovski told Malaysian media after the decision to abandon the Central Asian tournament was made.

"Apart from the lack of naturalized players, another reason for Malaysia's withdrawal was after considering the impact on logistics and budget," added coach Peter Cklamovski.

This news disappointed Malaysian fans as they were eager to see how Malaysia would fare against strong Asian opponents. According to the draw results, Malaysia is in Group B of the 2025 Central Asian Football Championship with Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Unable to participate in the 2025 Central Asian Football Championship, the Malaysian team will go all out for the two FIFA Days in September and October. For the FIFA Days in September, the Malaysian team has not planned any friendly matches.

NOSTALGIA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuyen-malaysia-phai-bo-giai-trung-a-vi-dan-cau-thu-nhap-tich-2025071705175641.htm