PETALING JAYA: Could there be a glimmer of hope for the seven mixed-heritage players hoping to represent Malaysia again?
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) heard their cases on Feb 26 and a verdict is expected within about a week.
FIFA have imposed 12-month sanctions on the players over doctored documents related to their eligibility to play for Malaysia. Both the players and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) were also fined.
Sports lawyer Richard Wee (pic) said there were several possible outcomes.
“CAS could uphold the original decision, overturn it entirely, or opt for a partial ruling that reduces the severity of the sanctions,” said Richard.
“It is possible that FAM may not be fully exonerated, but the players could receive a reduced sentence,” he added, citing the case of Maria Sharapova, who successfully appealed to CAS to have her doping suspension reduced.
“In that case, she did not challenge the finding of guilt but argued against the length of the ban, and the suspension was reduced.”
Richard added that FAM’s legal team may argue that the association acted in good faith, relying on agents and official documentation to believe that all eligibility requirements had been satisfied.
“Ultimately, I do not have access to the case files. I can only comment based on what is publicly available.
“The FAM lawyers are professionals and are doing their job. Whatever arguments are being raised now will be carefully considered by the arbitrators.”
With three arbitrators tasked with weighing the evidence and submissions, Richard reiterated that patience was required.
“In arbitration, especially at CAS, deliberation is critical. The panel must review all documents, arguments and legal principles before arriving at a reasoned decision.
“A short wait of a week is not unusual at all.”
Meanwhile, CAS communications officer Vanessa Tracey said a press release would be published on their website as soon as a decision is made.
“Following the hearing, the panel will take time to deliberate. I am unable to give you a precise time frame for a decision, but an operative decision (without grounds) is expected next week,” she said.
The players – Joao Figueiredo, Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero and Rodrigo Holgado – were suspended by FIFA in Sept 2025.
The national body appealed the decision made by FIFA but was rejected, hence the CAS appeal.
On Jan 28, the players were given a temporary stay of execution by CAS, which allowed them to return to competitive football with immediate effect while awaiting the final verdict of CAS on their appeal.
