KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has pulled out of the 2025 Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup following a late change to the tournament dates, which now fall outside the official FIFA international window.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said the decision was made due to the logistical difficulties and unavailability of key players, especially those based in top leagues abroad.
The tournament, originally scheduled within the FIFA calendar, will now take place from August 29 to September 8, a shift that prevents clubs from being compelled to release their players.
“The last-minute change of date poses a challenge in all aspects, particularly when we are unable to call up several top players currently playing in Spain, Argentina, Colombia and Japan,” FAM said in a statement today.
National head coach Peter Cklamovski backed the move, calling it “the right decision” given the time constraints and lack of preparation.
“To get these players to Tajikistan in such a short window and have them perform at their best is unrealistic,” he said.
“This is an important, strategic decision. We will now channel their full focus into preparing for the Asian Cup qualifying matches in October and November.”
Harimau Malaya are set to face Laos in an away fixture on October 9, followed by the return leg at home on October 14. The squad will then travel to Nepal for their final Group F match of the year on November 18. — July 16, 2025