Malaysia forfeits World Cup qualifier because of crowd

By foxsports
Published

ZURICH --

FIFA says Malaysia forfeited a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia when it was abandoned because of crowd disorder.

The governing body's disciplinary committee has also ordered Malaysia to play its next qualifier - against the United Arab Emirates on Nov. 17 - without fans and fined the federation 40,000 Swiss francs ($41,212).

The Group A game in Asian qualifying on Sept. 8 was halted in the 88th minute in Kuala Lumpur. With Saudi Arabia leading 2-1, a section of fans in the Shah Alam Stadium let off smoke bombs and flares, causing players from both teams to leave the field.

The result will be recorded as a 3-0 victory for Saudi Arabia.