Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) could be sanctioned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) if they do not turn up in Doha for their remaining AFC Champions League (ACL) Group G matches.
According to article 6.2.5.3 of the AFC competitions regulations, a team who withdraw during the group stage of any (AFC sanctioned) club competitions face a US$50,000 (RM207,000) fine and a two-year ban from applying for an AFC club license.
It also states that the team will not be allowed to compete in the next two editions of the competition.
JDT completed two group matches before the ACL was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The remaining four group matches will be played in Doha from Nov 19.
As it stands, JDT cannot head to Doha following the National Security Council's (NSC) decision to bar them from travelling abroad as the current policy does not allow group travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
JDT were supposed to travel to Doha on Sunday.
However, the club have confirmed that they will not be heading there.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary general Stuart Ramalingam said the national body are in discussion with the AFC pertaining JDT's issue.
"Hopefully, we can work something out as a withdrawal would impact us in the long run in terms of ranking points and slots for Asian-level competitions.
"As for possible sanctions, it is for AFC to answer. However, we are doing our best to converse with relevant authorities on what could and may happen.
"I hope it would not come to that (two-year ban and US$50,000 fine) as JDT have helped the country earn additional ranking points and slots through their achievements in Asia.
JDT, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed their disappointment but respected the government's decision.