Southeast Asian media comments on Malaysia's hearing before the CAS

Malaysia Football Association’s hearing at the CAS starts today (February 23) in Switzerland, representing a crucial point in the lengthy legal dispute involving Southeast Asian football.

The legal battle between FIFA and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding seven illegally naturalized players has lasted over six months. FAM has filed an appeal to the CAS to challenge FIFA’s allegations, escalating the case to a new level.

Today, February 23, marks the first hearing concerning the seven Malaysian players at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. This event has attracted widespread attention from fans across Southeast Asia.

According to ASEAN FOOTBALL, a major media channel with 627,000 followers, the event is also being covered extensively. This media outlet noted that the previous appeal submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) focused solely on requesting a reduction in the suspension period, rather than denying or disputing the violations previously investigated and announced by FIFA.

The verdict could be delivered immediately after the hearing concludes, without a long wait. ASEAN FOOTBALL reports that the CAS decision might be announced as early as 5:00 AM on Friday, February 27.

ASEAN SPORT predicts that the outcome will play a decisive role in determining whether these seven players can return to strengthen Malaysia’s national team in upcoming competitions.

Not only FIFA and FAM, but the AFC is also closely monitoring every development in the case. The Asian Football Confederation is awaiting the CAS ruling to impose sanctions on Malaysia’s national team for the illegal naturalization issue.

Previously, FIFA imposed a 0-3 forfeiture loss on Malaysia in friendly matches against Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine. However, the AFC has not yet applied the same 0-3 loss to Malaysia in matches against Vietnam and Nepal, still awaiting the final CAS verdict.

If FAM loses the case, the standings in Group F of the Asian qualifiers will change significantly. Malaysia’s national team will lose 6 points and drop the top spot to Vietnam. Moreover, the gap between them and Vietnam would widen to 6 points, resulting in Malaysia’s official elimination.

Due to the importance of the matter, the AFC remains cautious in issuing sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia. However, once the CAS decision is made, the AFC will be compelled to finalize its ruling.