"Will Malaysia take a firm stance like Timor Leste, by revoking players' passports, if their appeal to the CAS fails?" asked commercial and sports lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli on social media platform X. "That scenario is entirely possible, as Timor Leste's precedent shows authorities are willing to resort to extreme measures when detecting irregularities related to documents and nationality."

Timor Leste previously revoked the passports of nine players after its national team was banned from the Asian Cup 2023 for using forged documents, including birth certificates. Lawyer Nik Erman believes Malaysia's case shares similarities, as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has admitted errors in the submission process, making the possibility of overturning the situation at CAS slim.

Joao Figueireido (number 14), Rodrigo Holgado (19), and Hector Hevel (13), among the seven Malaysian players penalized by FIFA, played in Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the second round of Group F of the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the evening of 10/6/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

From a legal perspective, Nik Erman asserts the current issue transcends mere sports matters. "This problem touches upon the principle of the rule of law and the integrity of citizenship," he added. "If the players do not meet the bloodline requirements or criteria stipulated in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, the initial granting of citizenship raises significant questions."

Nik Erman served on the FAM council from 9/2023 to 8/2025. He has repeatedly analyzed FAM's prospects in its dispute with FIFA. The lawyer previously stated that FAM was at a disadvantage in its struggle with FIFA and had little chance of winning the case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

He also questioned the executive authority in this case. Even if a minister used special discretionary powers to approve citizenship, the appropriateness and validity of that decision would still need scrutiny. According to Nik Erman, the issue potentially involves criminal elements related to document forgery.

Previously, FIFA concluded that FAM and seven players, allegedly of Malaysian descent, violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, a provision directly related to document forgery. The investigation results indicate FAM is accused of submitting documents deemed inauthentic to prove the eligibility of naturalized players.

Consequently, FIFA imposed a substantial fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (over VND 11 billion) on FAM. Each involved player received a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs (over VND 60 million) and a 12-month ban from all football activities. The seven players: Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueireido, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel, were permitted by CAS to continue playing until the court's final ruling.

Representatives from FAM and FIFA will appear in court in Switzerland on 26/2. The ruling is expected shortly thereafter.

Hoang An (according to Sinar Harian)