In a disciplinary decision issued on February 2, the AFC concluded that Hanoi Police FC fielded two ineligible players - Australian midfielder Stefan Mauk and Brazilian winger Rogerio Alves Dos Santos - in the match played on February 11 at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi.

Both players had accumulated three yellow cards during the group stage and were therefore subject to a one-match suspension under the ACL2 regulations, meaning they were not eligible to play in the Round of 16 first leg.

Despite originally winning the match 4–0 on the field, the victory was overturned and recorded as a 0–3 defeat for violation of the regulations on player eligibility - a punitive measure that effectively nullifies their on-pitch result.

In its announcement, the AFC stated that the club failed to adhere to its obligations to monitor the suspensions received by its players and ensure that all players fielded during a competition are eligible to play, underscoring the regional football governing body’s strict enforcement of disciplinary rules.

In addition to the forfeit, Hanoi Police FC have been fined US$2,000 and must forfeit 50% of their tournament participation fee, which is approximately US$80,000 under the competition’s regulations. If the participation funds have already been distributed, the club are required to refund the relevant amount to the AFC within 30 days.

The sanction delivers a heavy blow to the club’s hopes of progressing in continental competition. To qualify for the quarter-finals during the second leg in Singapore on February 18, the Vietnamese side must now overcome the three-goal deficit and win by at least four goals, or win by three goals to force extra time.

AFC continues to fine Hanoi Police FC over on-field incident

VOV.VN -The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has once again fined Hanoi Police FC US$6,250 following an on-field altercation in the closing minutes of their AFC Champions League Two match against China’s Beijing Guoan FC on November 27.