Thai training camp ahead of Vietnam match, Malaysian national team faces severe criticism

The Malaysian national team's decision to train in Thailand is facing a wave of severe criticism from professionals, given that "Harimau Malaya" is now officially out of contention for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

As previously reported, Malaysia is training in Bangkok, Thailand's capital from March 24 to 27 to prepare for the match against Vietnam at Thiên Trường Stadium on March 31. However, the professional significance of this trip is being heavily questioned, as the match results no longer affect the group standings.

Previously, AFC ruled Malaysia forfeited due to using an ineligible player, nullifying their 4-0 win against Vietnam. This penalty means the Southeast Asian team is eliminated from the Asian Cup qualification race.

Football legend Malaysia Datuk Jamal Nasir openly criticized the training plan, calling it an unnecessary waste. He emphasized that in the current situation, the team should stay domestically to optimize resources instead of spending money on trips with no practical value.

"There is no need to prepare in Bangkok. Now that we know our position, we should stay in the country and make use of what we have," he said.

Additionally, he pointed out deeper issues in the national football association's management. According to Jamal, managerial errors led to the naturalized player scandal, severely damaging Malaysian football's image and causing fans to turn away.

“Football belongs to the public. If fans lose trust, we lose everything,” Malaysian football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir added, urging FAM to focus on developing local players instead of continuing to spend heavily on ineffective activities.