Latest developments in the CAS ruling concerning 7 naturalized Malaysian footballers

According to NST newspaper, CAS has set the date for the full hearing regarding the case of the 7 naturalized Malaysian players.

February 26th is considered a crucial milestone for the seven players of the Malaysian national team (Harimau Malaya), as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has scheduled the full hearing for the lawsuit concerning the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) related to allegations of document forgery.

CAS confirmed that the in-person hearing will take place at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. The case’s outcome is expected to have a significant impact on the international playing future of the players involved.

Specifically, eight cases will be reviewed in the same hearing, involving FAM and the seven naturalized players: Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

The final decision by CAS is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences, not only for the players personally but also directly affecting Malaysia’s national team personnel plans, as well as the reputation and standing of Malaysian football on the international stage.

Previously, in September 2025, FIFA suspended the seven players due to allegations related to document forgery and doubts about their eligibility to play based on their origins. However, CAS later approved FAM’s temporary appealwhich postponed the enforcement of sanctions until the full appeal hearing takes place.

This temporary suspension decision allows FAM and the players additional time to prepare, but it is only a provisional measure. The hearing on February 26th will be decisive, where CAS will consider whether to uphold, reduce, or completely overturn the penalties imposed by FIFA.