Indonesian media reacts to the return of 7 naturalized Malaysian players

Indonesian media stated that CAS has provisionally lifted FIFA's punishment, paving the way for seven naturalized Malaysian players to resume international play.

Indonesian outlets collectively reported that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has accepted the appeal filed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), thereby temporarily suspending FIFA's penalty against seven naturalized players of the Malaysian national team. This ruling allows those players to compete again while awaiting the final decision.

According to CNN Indonesia, this information was officially announced by FAM. CAS approved an emergency measure to suspend the 12-month ban FIFA had previously imposed on the seven players due to allegations of falsifying naturalization documents.

FAM clarified: “This decision means the 12-month ban from all football activities for the seven Harimau Malaya players is temporarily lifted. They are allowed to continue their careers and participate in all football-related events until CAS issues a final ruling.”

The seven players mentioned are Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. All of them had appeared in Malaysia's international matches before FIFA imposed the sanctions.

Previously, FIFA not only banned the players from competing but also fined FAM approximately 11.5 billion VND, and annulled the results of three international matches involving Malaysia, resulting in 0-3 losses against Singapore, Palestine, and Cape Verde. Moreover, Malaysia faces the risk of having its victories over Nepal and Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers revoked due to the use of these naturalized players.

According to Indonesian press analysis, CAS’s decision is seen as a “breath of relief” for Malaysian football, given the team’s heavy pressures both on the sporting and legal fronts. However, Indonesian media also emphasize that this is only a temporary ruling, and the sanctions might be reinstated if FAM loses the final appeal.

The case continues to attract significant attention in Southeast Asia, as it could directly impact the outcomes of regional and continental tournaments in the near future.