Indonesian Fans: 'Vietnam U23 Can Still Defeat Malaysia Even With 7 Naturalized Players'

On the evening of January 26, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officially announced that CAS has approved the request to temporarily suspend sanctions against 7 national team players including Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel. This decision means the 12-month ban from all football activities imposed earlier by FIFA is temporarily suspended, allowing these players to continue competing for their clubs and participating in football activities until CAS delivers a final ruling on the appeal.

The 7 illegally naturalized Malaysian players are permitted to return to play.

However, CAS’s temporary ruling has inadvertently stirred controversy among Southeast Asian football fans, especially in Indonesia. On forums and social media, an Indonesian supporter stated: “I think Vietnam would still win even if Malaysia played with those players, even if Vietnam fields only their U23 team.”

Another fan criticized the inconsistency in FIFA and CAS’s decisions: “No surprise, double standards. If this had happened to Timor Leste, they would have been banned immediately from the start.”

An Indonesian fan commented: “Actually, I want to see a match between Vietnam at their prime and Malaysia with their mixed-heritage players. It would surely be a very thrilling game.”

A Malaysian fan sarcastically remarked: “Malaysia is like Manchester United, just now realizing their fans still exist worldwide.”

Earlier, on January 8, FAM filed an appeal to CAS and requested a temporary measure to safeguard the professional rights of the players during the case review. FIFA had imposed sanctions in September 2025, accusing FAM of using forged documents during the eligibility verification of the naturalized players.

According to this ruling, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, and each player was suspended for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs. The previous appeal by FAM and the players to FIFA’s Appeal Committee was rejected on November 3, 2025, making CAS the “final lifeline” for Malaysian football in this matter.

On the evening of January 26, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officially announced that CAS has approved the request to temporarily suspend sanctions against 7 national team players including Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel. This decision means the 12-month ban from all football activities imposed earlier by FIFA is temporarily suspended, allowing these players to continue playing for their clubs and participating in football activities until CAS issues a final decision on the appeal.

The 7 illegally naturalized Malaysian players are allowed to resume playing.

However, CAS’s temporary ruling has unintentionally sparked controversy among Southeast Asian football fans, especially in Indonesia. On forums and social media, an Indonesian supporter said: “I believe Vietnam would still win if Malaysia played with those players, even if Vietnam only sends their U23 team.”

Another fan criticized the inconsistent handling by FIFA and CAS: “No surprise, double standards. If this happened to Timor Leste, they would have been banned immediately from the start.”

An Indonesian fan remarked: “Honestly, I want to see a match between Vietnam at their peak and Malaysia with their mixed-heritage players. It would definitely be an exciting game.”

A Malaysian fan sarcastically commented: “Malaysia is like Manchester United, only now realizing their fans still exist worldwide.”

Earlier, on January 8, FAM submitted an appeal to CAS and requested a temporary measure to protect the players’ professional rights while the case is under review. FIFA had issued a sanction in September 2025, accusing FAM of using forged documents during the eligibility verification of the naturalized players.

According to this ruling, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, and each player faced a 12-month suspension and a 2,000 Swiss franc fine. The prior appeal by FAM and the players to FIFA’s Appeal Committee was rejected on November 3, 2025, making CAS the “last hope” for Malaysian football in this case.