AFC delivers great news for 7 naturalized Malaysian players if their appeal succeeds

AFC sends encouraging signals to 7 naturalized Malaysian players: a successful appeal to CAS may result in the immediate cancellation of the 12-month ban.

Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Windsor Paul John, shared notable comments regarding the appeal filed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven naturalized Harimau Malaya players to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Previously, CAS approved the temporary suspension of the 12-month ban imposed by FIFA on the group of players including Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. These players were accused of violating FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 22 related to document falsification.

According to Mr. Windsor, two scenarios could unfold if the appeal is fully reviewed. “Based on unofficial information we have, if the appeal succeeds and FAM along with the players win the case, the suspension would typically be revoked immediately. At that point, they can resume playing for their clubs,” he stated.

Conversely, if the appeal is rejected, CAS may uphold or even continue the suspension due to insufficient grounds to overturn FIFA’s decision.

The AFC Secretary General also revealed that the players’ main goal in submitting the appeal to CAS might not be to completely erase the ban, but rather to seek a reduction in the suspension period. “If they win the case, the players could be eligible to play the next day. Legally speaking, if I were their lawyer, I would argue that my clients were not directly involved in the allegations made by FIFA,” he emphasized.

The case is drawing significant attention in Malaysia, especially as the national team prepares for upcoming crucial matches. The final ruling from CAS is considered a key factor directly impacting the squad and Harimau Malaya’s ambitions on the international stage.