The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delayed its final verdict on the case involving seven naturalized Malaysian footballers accused of naturalization fraud. The hearing, which included representatives of the players, the Malaysian Football Association (FAM), and FIFA, concluded this morning, 27/2, Hanoi time. CAS spokesperson Vanessa Tracey stated that a decision is expected next week, hinting at further legal procedures.

Malaysian sports lawyer Hairul Othman explained that the recent hearing served primarily as an opportunity for FAM and FIFA to present their evidence. "Following this, both parties are given a specific period to prepare written arguments before CAS renders its decision," Hairul told a Malaysian newspaper.

The delay in announcing the verdict suggests that the legal process may involve additional steps, including the potential summoning of witnesses. "FAM and FIFA may summon involved individuals, including family members of the players, if necessary to prove the validity of the documents," Hairul stated. He added that the case, involving allegations of document forgery, presents difficulties as both sides are committed to defending their arguments. FAM could assert that all naturalization processes followed proper procedures, while FIFA aims to demonstrate the documents were invalid.

7 foreign-born Malaysian players were banned by FIFA for one year due to naturalization fraud. Photo: ASEAN Football.

Ms. Tracey confirmed that the arbitration panel requires more time for deliberation. Given the case's importance, a press release will be issued. The full verdict will be released later and may be published on the CAS website unless confidentiality is requested by either party.

Previously, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) determined that Malaysia used forged or invalid civil registration documents in the registration files for 7 players. This was deemed a serious violation of international football principles. The players involved are Joao Figueiredo (Brazilian origin), Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces (Argentinian), Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero (Spanish), and Hector Hevel (Dutch).

The FDC's detailed report highlighted the primary issue: discrepancies in the birth certificates of the players' grandparents. FAM had submitted birth certificates to FIFA indicating these individuals were born in Malaysia – a critical factor for players seeking naturalization based on ancestral lineage. However, FIFA's investigation uncovered original birth certificates proving they were not born in Malaysia.

Consequently, FAM received a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (over 11 billion VND). Each involved player was banned from playing for one year and incurred an additional fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (65 million VND). Following these penalties, Machuca, Holgado, and Palmero had their contracts terminated by their respective clubs.

In January, CAS granted an appeal to temporarily suspend the playing ban imposed by FIFA on the 7 players. This allowed them to be immediately registered by their clubs, including Hevel, Irazabal, and Figueireido at Johor Darul Tazim in Malaysia.

By Trung Thu (Source: Arena Metro)