Harimau Malaya’s Late Withdrawal Cause Distruptions To CAFA Nations Cup 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Harimau Malaya’s late withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025 due to kick off Aug 29-Sept 8 has caused certain disruptions to the ongoing organisational processes, particularly given the advanced stage of planning and preparations.

As CAFA are aware the reason from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) that the tournament does not fully fall within the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) window (Sept 1-9) which caused the restrictions of players availability, it said the final registration of players can actually be submitted on a match-by-match basis.

“As per the tournament regulations, the final registration of players - selected from a preliminary list of 35 - can be submitted on a match-by-match basis.

“This allows for maximum flexibility, including the possibility of key players joining the team for subsequent matches,” it said in a statement today.

CAFA also said that previously Malaysia’s participation had been confirmed well in advance, with full awareness of the tournament dates as well as schedule and those dates had never been changed from the beginning.

Earlier today, FAM in a statement announced that the decision was made following the change in match dates falling outside the FIFA international window, posing challenges in terms of logistics, player availability and overall squad preparation.

Despite Malaysia’s withdrawal, CAFA remained committed to delivering a high-quality and competitive tournament for the people of Central Asia and beyond.

“We thank all participating nations for their continued support and cooperation,” it said.

World number 125 Malaysia are supposed to play in Group B with the hosts, Tajikistan, reigning champion Iran and Afghanistan.

Group A will feature co-hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Oman.

-- BERNAMA