Top Malaysian official delivers bad news, risk of a 0-3 loss to Vietnam increasingly evident

Mr. Megat, who previously won a case at CAS, also acknowledged that the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) is unlikely to overturn FIFA’s sanctions regarding illegal naturalization of players.

Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, Chairman of the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM), believes that the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) needs to take a realistic view when assessing their chances at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), given that the matter concerning FIFA’s disciplinary ruling has been escalated to the highest sports judicial authority worldwide.

Previously, Mr. Megat brought a case about an 18-month suspension imposed by the Malaysian Hockey Federation (KHM) to CAS seeking justice and won about three years ago. From that experience, he understands that CAS panels evaluate cases based on facts, evidence, and solid legal arguments.

“I’m not a lawyer, but in my opinion, we must manage the situation and avoid bringing further embarrassment to our country,” said Mr. Megat. “If FIFA’s disciplinary body has concluded that Malaysia is guilty of fraud, then appealing to CAS means we are implying that the members of FIFA’s disciplinary committee lack expertise, right?”.

“They are reputable individuals, lawyers from various parts of the world, some with experience handling CAS cases, and international legal experts. Their credibility is at stake. Everything will definitely be scrutinized very thoroughly before a decision is made.”he added.

Mr. Megat admitted that this case has damaged the nation’s image and could have been avoided if all parties had complied with existing regulations.

Seven illegally naturalized Malaysian players have filed for a suspension of the enforcement of their sanctions. Therefore, they are allowed to continue their careers and participate in football-related activities until CAS issues its final ruling on the appeal later this month.

Earlier, FIFA fined and suspended these seven players for allegedly forging birth certificates and lineage documents to qualify to represent Malaysia. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed 12-month bans on the players, effective from last September.

Besides the suspensions and fines on the players, FAM was also fined 350,000 CHF (approximately 1.8 million RM), with each player fined 2,000 CHF (around 10,000 RM).

The final CAS verdict is expected on February 26, 2026, amid concerns that the case could directly affect Group F standings and the race for qualification to the 2027 Asian Cup. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is also awaiting CAS’s final decision to consider sanctions against Malaysia.

The Malaysian national team fielded illegally naturalized players in their two victories against Nepal and Vietnam. According to FIFA precedents, they could be penalized with 0-3 forfeits for both matches.

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