The fate of seven naturalized players accused of falsifying documents will be decided next month. FAM Secretary General Noor Azman Rahman confirmed that the federation received a letter from CAS on 26/1. At a press conference in Petaling Jaya, Selangor this afternoon, 28/1, he announced that CAS had set the court dates for 25/2 or 26/2.

FAM Secretary General Noor Azman Rahman at a press conference in Selangor, Malaysia this afternoon, 28/1/2026. Photo: NSTP

The court may not issue a verdict immediately during the hearing, but will send the written decision a few days later. Once CAS makes its decision, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will review whether to rule Malaysia to have forfeited matches where ineligible naturalized players participated.

FIFA already ruled Malaysia to have forfeited 0-3 in friendly matches against Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine for using the aforementioned ineligible naturalized players. Additionally, Malaysia has two other matches where they have not yet been ruled to have lost for using these players: a 2-0 win against Nepal on 25/3/2025, and a 4-0 win against Vietnam on 10/6/2025, both in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. These matches were organized by the AFC, which is awaiting CAS's decision before addressing the matter.

If Malaysia forfeits both these matches, Vietnam will secure qualification for the Asian Cup 2027, regardless of the outcome of their final qualifier against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh province (formerly Nam Dinh province), on 31/3.

Until the hearing, the seven players – Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel – have been permitted by the Court to train and play for their respective clubs. For example, Figueiredo, Irazabal, and Hevel have resumed training with Malaysian club Johor Darul Tazim (JDT).

Rodrigo Holgado (number 19), Joao Figueireido (14) and Hector Hevel (13) celebrate a goal in the 4-0 win against Vietnam in the first leg of the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Photo: Hai Tu

FAM officially filed a lawsuit against FIFA with CAS on 8/12/2025, after FIFA rejected its appeals twice. Despite low chances of success, FAM hopes for a partial reduction of the 350,000 Swiss francs fine (over 11 billion VND). They also expect a reduction in the one-year playing ban for the seven players.

Also this morning, the entire FAM executive committee resigned, three years earlier than their term was set to expire. They cited four main reasons for their decision: protecting FAM and Malaysian football, demonstrating responsibility and governance ethics, paving the way for independent oversight by FIFA and the AFC, and regaining public trust.

Hoang An (according to NST)