FAM said the penalties “appear disproportionate, particularly when compared to sanctions imposed in similar cases before CAS,” and added that they will further assess the matter once the full, written ruling is made available.
The controversy started when the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) found that FAM had used forged or invalid documents to naturalize seven players. This group included Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero and Hector Hevel.
After an initial appeal to FIFA was rejected, Malaysia and the players escalated the case to CAS, with a hearing held on Feb. 26. During the proceedings, FAM acknowledged the errors and did not dispute potential liability for violating FDC regulations. However, the association argued that the players had a very limited role in the naturalization process and did not actively falsify any documents.
Seven Malaysia naturalized players that were banned for 12 months by FIFA. Photo by ASEAN Football |
FAM requested the annulment of FIFA’s original decision and a reduced fine of no more than 50,000 Swiss francs. The players simultaneously requested the complete annulment of their suspensions, arguing their actions were unintentional.
CAS ultimately ruled that there was falsification of eligibility documents and that the players were complicit. The court deemed FIFA’s penalties reasonable and suitable. FAM’s appeal was entirely rejected, meaning the association must still pay the hefty 350,000 Swiss franc fine. Each player was also fined 2,000 Swiss francs. The only leniency granted was a modification to the players’ 12-month ban, which was reduced from a ban on all football activities to a suspension from official matches.
“The outcome remains deeply disappointing, particularly for the players,” FAM said. “They are Malaysians who obtained citizenship in accordance with the laws of Malaysia.”
CAS had previously accepted an appeal on Jan. 26 to temporarily suspend the bans, allowing the players to compete for their clubs. However, this latest ruling immediately reinstates their suspensions. The ban resumes on March 5 and credits the time already served from Sept. 25, 2025, to Jan. 26, 2026. CAS noted that this is a provisional decision, and a fully reasoned, legally binding written ruling will be issued in due course.
The CAS ruling also triggers action from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which intends to handle the matter swiftly ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup finals draw on April 11.
Malaysia are scheduled to play Vietnam away in their final Group F match of the Asian Cup qualifiers on March 31. They currently lead the group with 15 points, holding a three-point advantage over Vietnam. However, because the ineligible players were featured in crucial 2025 victories against Nepal and Vietnam, Malaysia are highly likely to face 0-3 forfeit defeats. Such a penalty would instantly strip them of both their top spot in the group and their ticket to the Asian Cup.
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