PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have slipped from 121st to 135th in the FIFA rankings following points deductions linked to their international friendlies and 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matches.
Last week, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled that Malaysia had fielded ineligible players in two fixtures last year, a 2-0 win over Nepal on March 25 and a 4-0 victory over Vietnam on June 10. Both results have since been overturned and recorded as 3-0 defeats.
FIFA also nullified the outcomes of three international friendlies played in May and September last year, awarding 3-0 forfeits instead.
The affected matches were a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde on May 29, a 2-1 win over Singapore on Sept 4, and a 1-0 victory against Palestine on Sept 8.
In the latest world rankings, defending European champions Spain sit at number one, followed by reigning World Cup holders Argentina in second and France in third.
Japan remain the highest-ranked Asian side at 19th globally, while Thailand are the top South-East Asian team, placed 96th.
