Malaysia football team CEO Rob Friend expresses optimism after 12-hour CAS hearing of naturalization case

Key developments in the case

– March 19, 2025: FAM asked FIFA to verify Hector Hevel’s eligibility, submitting a birth certificate stating that his grandfather was born in Melaka, Malaysia.

– March 20, 2025: FAM submitted a similar request for Gabriel Palmero, with a birth certificate showing his grandmother was born in Melaka.

– March 24, 2025: FIFA replied that, based on the documents received, Hevel “appeared eligible” to represent Malaysia.

– June 6, 2025: FAM submitted applications for five additional players: Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo and Jon Irazabal. Each file included a birth certificate for a grandparent stating that he or she was born in a Malaysian state, including Penang, George Town, Johor or Sarawak.

– June 6 and June 9, 2025: FIFA responded that, according to the documents provided, the five players also “appeared eligible.”

– June 10, 2025: All seven naturalized players featured in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam at Bukit Jalil Stadium. Malaysia won 4-0, with goals from Figueiredo and Holgado.

– June 11, 2025: FIFA received a formal complaint from a member association questioning the validity of the players’ naturalization documents, citing the unusually short timeline for processing and debut.

– Aug. 22 and Aug. 28, 2025: After an investigation, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee opened formal proceedings against FAM and the seven players, finding that original birth records showed their grandparents were born outside Malaysia, in breach of Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

– Aug. 22, 2025: FAM president Joehari Ayub resigned, citing health reasons.

– Sept. 22, 2025: FAM and the players submitted their official response, arguing they acted in good faith based on documents certified by Malaysian authorities.

– Sept. 25, 2025: Jorge Palacio, vice chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, issued the final decision.

– Sept. 26, 2025: The decision and sanctions were formally sent to FAM and the players.

– Oct. 6, 2025: FIFA delivered a 19-page document explaining the legal basis, investigative process and reasons for the sanctions.

– Oct. 15, 2025: Malaysia filed an appeal against FIFA’s decision.

– Nov. 3, 2025: The FIFA Appeals Committee announced its decision.

– Dec. 8, 2025: Malaysia filed its case against FIFA with CAS.

– Dec. 17, 2025: Malaysia was ruled to have forfeited 0-3 in friendlies against Cape Verde, Singapore and Palestine.

– Dec. 18, 2025: Malaysia submitted its full written arguments to CAS.

– Jan. 26, 2026: CAS granted a provisional stay of the suspensions imposed on the seven players, allowing them to return to competition.

– Feb. 26, 2026: The hearing between Malaysia and FIFA concluded at CAS. The decision has not yet been announced.