A last-minute change: the CAS decision regarding the seven naturalized Malaysian players will be announced next week.

The anticipation among Malaysian football supporters for the appeal result of the national team's seven naturalized players at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is projected to last until the following week, after the hearing panel needed more time for consideration.

This latest development also puts an end to speculation that the ruling in this high-profile case would be announced at 4:00 a.m. today (27/2) as previously scheduled.

According to a response from CAS, the panel handling the case needs to thoroughly review all arguments and evidence before issuing a final decision.

Per the statement, an exact timing for the decision cannot yet be confirmed, but a preliminary ruling (without full reasoning) is expected to be released next week.

"Following today's hearing, the panel will require time to deliberate. I cannot provide an exact timeline for the decision, but an initial ruling (without full reasons) is anticipated to be announced next week.

Given the high-profile nature of this case, a press release will be issued. I will notify you as soon as it is published," stated Vanessa Tracey, a CAS communications officer, to Metro Malaysia.

The case has attracted widespread attention as it concerns the eligibility of naturalized players, who were previously suspended and fined by the world football governing body.

"Once the preliminary ruling is announced, the full decision will be finalized and delivered to the involved parties at a later time.

If the parties do not request confidentiality, the decision will be published on the CAS website," she added.

The complete decision document will explain the grounds on which the CAS panel based its review of the appeal.

However, the full-text decision will only be made public if the related parties do not request it to remain confidential.

According to records, the case began when FIFA imposed a 12-month suspension on seven naturalized players of the Malaysian national team due to issues related to eligibility regulations.

The seven players are: Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, Héctor Hevel.

Following the suspension, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) promptly filed an appeal with CAS seeking a fairer ruling and an opportunity for the players to return to competition.

All seven players are considered key pillars of the national team and had played for various clubs domestically and internationally before the suspension was imposed.