The reasons behind Malaysia's national team having their ban lifted before facing Vietnam

The CAS decision to temporarily halt the suspension has eased Malaysia's squad dilemma before their clash with Vietnam, though the underlying legal matters are still complicated and unsettled.

The latest ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has provided the Malaysian national team with a temporary relief just before their upcoming match against Vietnam. However, lifting the ban is merely a procedural legal step and does not imply that the naturalized players have been exonerated.

Specifically, CAS approved a request to temporarily suspend the bans on seven Malaysian naturalized players: Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, and Facundo Garces. This is not a “turnaround” or an indication of their innocence, but rather a protective mechanism for the players’ professional rights while awaiting the final verdict.

From a legal standpoint, while the case remains unresolved, CAS has the authority to impose temporary measures to prevent irreparable harm to the individuals involved. For months, these players have effectively had their careers "frozen," unable to compete or register for matches, and have faced significant psychological pressure. Therefore, CAS’s decision is seen as a humanitarian move prioritizing personal rights during the interim period before the final judgment.

This action also highlights the role of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). On January 8, FAM officially appealed to CAS and requested temporary measures to allow the players to continue competing for their clubs. Previously, FIFA had sanctioned FAM in September 2025 for alleged use of forged documents in confirming the eligibility of the naturalized players. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, while each player received a 12-month suspension and a 2,000 Swiss franc fine.

After FIFA’s Appeal Committee rejected FAM’s appeal on November 3, 2025, escalating the case to CAS was considered the correct legal procedure. With the latest ruling, these seven players can temporarily return to club football, helping Malaysia stabilize their squad amid a crisis of trust within their football community.

Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that CAS’s permission to suspend the ban does not mean the case is closed. The final decision is still pending and could overturn the current situation. Additionally, this ruling does not directly affect whether Malaysia’s national team will forfeit against Vietnam, as those are two separate legal matters.