Malaysia’s appeal over the suspension imposed on seven heritage national players by FIFA is centred on seeking a reduction of punishment rather than overturning the earlier ruling, with a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expected early Friday (Malaysia time).
According to ASEAN Football, the hearing involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven players was held in Lausanne, Switzerland, earlier this week.
The report said FAM’s submission to the CAS panel was not intended to dispute the finding by world football governing body FIFA, but to plead for leniency over the 12-month suspension handed down in September last year.
The sanctions stemmed from issues related to eligibility and documentation, which sparked controversy within the Harimau Malaya setup and cast a shadow over the national team’s campaign.
In September, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that FAM had breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (2025 Edition) by fielding ineligible players. As a result, the seven heritage players were each suspended for a year, while FAM was fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million).
The governing body also annulled the results of three international friendlies involving Malaysia against Cape Verde, Singapore and Palestine.
In its appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, FAM is understood to have adopted a pragmatic approach, choosing not to challenge FIFA’s decision in substance. Instead, it presented arguments and supporting documents in the hope that the suspension period could be reduced.
ASEAN Football reported that the CAS panel may deliver its decision shortly after the conclusion of proceedings, with an announcement potentially as early as 5am Friday Malaysian time.
The seven players sanctioned are Facundo Garces, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca.
The impending ruling is widely seen as the final chapter in one of the most turbulent episodes in Malaysian football in recent years, with its outcome expected to determine whether the affected players can return to bolster the national squad sooner than initially stipulated.
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
