“We believe the imposed penalties appear disproportionate, especially when compared to similar past cases at CAS,” the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) stated in a press release today. “The association will further evaluate this matter once the full ruling is issued.”

FAM was accused by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) of using forged or invalid civil registration documents in the registration files for seven naturalized players, a serious violation of international football principles. This group includes Joao Figueiredo (Brazilian origin), Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces (Argentina), Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero (Spain), and Hector Hevel (Netherlands).

7 naturalized Malaysian players were banned from playing for 12 months. *ASEAN Football*

After an unsuccessful appeal to the FIFA Appeals Committee (FAC), Malaysia and the players escalated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). On 26/2, they, along with other involved parties, attended a hearing. At the hearing, FAM admitted to "supervisory shortcomings" and did not dispute its potential responsibility for violating FDC regulations. However, FAM argued that the players played a limited role in providing the documents requested by FAM and did not prepare or actively falsify them. Therefore, FAM requested the annulment of FIFA's decision and a fine not exceeding 50,000 Swiss francs. The players, in turn, requested the complete annulment of the FAC's decision, or alternatively, a proportionate penalty, claiming their actions were not intentional or, at most, negligent.

After reviewing the evidence, CAS determined that there was "forgery of documents proving eligibility to play" and that the players were complicit. CAS deemed FIFA's imposed sanctions reasonable and proportionate. Consequently, FAM was still fined 350,000 Swiss francs (over 11 billion VND). Each involved player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs, but the 12-month ban from all football activities was reduced to a ban from official matches.

“This outcome is extremely disappointing, especially for the players,” FAM’s statement read. “They were not involved and unaware of the administrative issues. The players are Malaysian citizens and were naturalized under Malaysian law.”

Previously, on 26/1, CAS had granted an appeal to temporarily suspend the playing ban imposed by FIFA on the seven players. However, CAS’s latest ruling reinstates the players’ suspension. The playing ban began on 5/3, including the period from 25/9/2025 to 26/1/2026.

CAS also clarified that this ruling is provisional, meaning it is not yet accompanied by its full grounds. The full ruling, which will be legally binding, will be issued at an appropriate time.

The CAS ruling has significant implications for Malaysia's Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign. Malaysia is scheduled to play away against Vietnam in the final match of Group F on 31/3 at Thien Truong Stadium (Ninh Binh). Currently, they lead the group with 15 points, three points ahead of Vietnam. However, because the naturalized players who violated regulations played for Malaysia in 2025, contributing to two victories – 2-0 against Nepal and 4-0 against Vietnam – in the final qualifying round, Malaysia will likely be handed a 0-3 loss for these matches. This could result in them losing their top spot and their ticket to the Asian Cup 2027 finals.

The CAS ruling also marks the official involvement of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The confederation aims for a "quick and effective" resolution as the draw for the Asian Cup 2027 finals will take place on 11/4.

FAM stated it would provide further comments after receiving the full ruling. They also thanked fans for their continuous support during this difficult period, asserting that the national team remains focused on its goals and will continue to give its best.

Hieu Luong