OFFICIAL: Malaysia issues statement on citizenship case causing public outcry

Malaysian football has just issued a new statement regarding the controversial citizenship case, immediately attracting significant attention.

The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirmed it has received an official notification from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) concerning the new ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the controversial citizenship scandal that occurred recently. This decision relates to seven players previously disciplined by FIFA for using invalid eligibility documents and records.

According to the final ruling, all seven players must still serve a 12-month suspension. However, CAS adjusted the scope of the penalty to apply only to official matches. The authority clarified: "The CAS arbitration panel decided that the seven players will be banned for 12 months, but only applicable to official matches, instead of a complete ban on all football-related activities."

This means the players can still train and participate in club activities during their suspension period. Nevertheless, they will not be allowed to play in official matches throughout the penalty term. This decision concludes the lengthy legal dispute spanning several months between FAM, FIFA, and the involved players.

Among the seven disciplined players, four are currently playing in Malaysia's professional football leagues. Three players belong to Johor Darul Ta'zim: João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel, while the remaining name is Gabriel Palmero of Kuching City FC.

According to the MFL announcement, all four will not be permitted to participate in any official matches within Malaysia's professional football leagues during the effective suspension period. However, they are still allowed to train and engage in internal activities with their respective clubs.

This decision immediately shocked Malaysian football public opinion as many key players from major clubs are affected. On forums and social media, fans are heatedly debating the impact level of the penalty and the repercussions this case may have on the league in the coming period.

The CAS ruling also rejected the appeal efforts from the Football Association of Malaysia. In its final decision, the authority affirmed: "The joint appeal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) IS REJECTED, meaning the 350,000 Swiss francs (CHF) fine imposed by FIFA on FAM remains unchanged."

Notably, the case not only affects the club level but could also influence the standings of Group F in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. If the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reviews matches involving players with invalid eligibility, the Vietnam national team could be awarded a 3-0 win over Malaysia, thereby officially securing a spot in the finals.