Southeast Asian fans erupt in reactions over the return of 7 naturalized Malaysian players to competition

Southeast Asian fans show divided opinions as CAS permits 7 naturalized Malaysian players to compete again.

On the evening of January 26, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) approved a request to temporarily suspend the sanctions concerning 7 Malaysian national team players, including Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel. This is the latest development in FAM’s appeal process.

According to CAS’s ruling, the 12-month ban from all football activities imposed by FIFA on these naturalized players will be temporarily lifted. This means they are allowed to continue their careers and participate in football-related events until CAS issues a final verdict on the appeal.

Many Southeast Asian fans believe the Vietnamese national team can determine their own fate by beating Malaysia 5-0 or more, without relying on a default win: "I think the Vietnamese team is ready; they have nothing to fear" or "Can Vietnam win 5-0? Waiting is so exhausting" or "I really want to see Vietnam’s current peak squad face off against Malaysia’s naturalized stars to see who comes out on top."

However, most opinions suggest that this CAS decision is only temporary and it is unlikely that the 7 naturalized Malaysian players will avoid punishment: "This is like a temporary bail; don’t think all accusations have been dismissed" or "CAS only temporarily allows them to play at club level, not for the national team."

Many fans also call for fairness for the Vietnamese national team: "This is unacceptable; we should file a complaint to FIFA because CAS letting these 7 players play again treats the issue as if it’s nothing serious" or "Fans won’t care how Malaysia plays anymore; they only focus on the naturalization scandal."

With this provisional ruling, the 7 players can return to club-level matches while awaiting the final decision. However, CAS’s permission to play does not mean the matter is closed, nor does it directly affect whether the Malaysian national team will be ruled to forfeit against Vietnam.