The hearing, attended by representatives of the players, FAM and FIFA, concluded on Feb. 27. However, CAS spokesperson Vanessa Tracey announced that the final ruling is not expected until next week, as the panel requires more time to deliberate, according to New Straits Times.
Malaysian sports lawyer Hairul Vaiyron Othman explained to local media that the recent hearing primarily served as an opportunity for FAM and FIFA to present their initial evidence. He noted that both sides will now be given a specific timeframe to prepare and submit detailed written arguments before CAS makes its final decision, Arena Metro reported.
The seven Malaysia naturalized players sanctioned by FIFA. Photo by ASEAN Football |
Othman believes the case, which centers on alleged document falsification, presents significant legal complexities. FAM is expected to argue that all naturalization procedures were legally followed, while FIFA aims to prove that the submitted documents are invalid.
The postponement of the final ruling indicates that the legal process entails further procedures, potentially including the possibility of summoning witnesses.
Othman stated that both FAM and FIFA might call upon relevant individuals, such as the players’ family members, if their testimonies are deemed necessary to verify the authenticity of the ancestral documents.
Following the hearing, Tracey confirmed the need for extended deliberations. Given the high-profile nature of the scandal, a press release will be issued immediately once a decision is reached. The comprehensive written ruling will follow and will likely be published on the CAS website, provided neither party requests confidentiality.
The controversy began when the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) determined that Malaysia had used forged or invalid documents to register seven naturalized players, which is a severe breach of international football principles. The players involved are Joao Figueiredo of Brazilian origin, Hector Hevel of the Netherlands, Spanish players Jon Irazabal and Gabriel Palmero, and Argentines Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Facundo Garces.
According to the FDC’s detailed report, the central issue revolves around the birth certificates of the players’ grandparents. FAM had previously submitted documents to FIFA claiming these ancestors were born in Malaysia, a mandatory requirement for the players to obtain Malaysian citizenship via ancestry. However, FIFA investigators uncovered the original birth certificates, which proved the grandparents were not born in the country.
As a result, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (about $454,000). Each player was handed a 12-month global football ban and fined an additional 2,000 francs. Following the ban, Machuca, Holgado and Palmero had their club contracts terminated.
However, in January, CAS granted an appeal to temporarily suspend the players’ bans pending the final verdict. This allowed several of the athletes to immediately resume playing for their clubs, with Hevel, Irazabal, and Figueiredo returning to action for the Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim.
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