AFC surprised by CAS ruling on 7 Malaysian naturalized players

The recent CAS verdict concerning Malaysia's 7 naturalized players has shocked AFC, triggering debates and possibly influencing the football scene in the region.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recently issued notable signals related to the case of the 7 naturalized players of the Malaysian national team appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). According to AFC, there is a reasonable possibility that the case could conclude favorably for these players.

Shared during the program XI Sebelas Utama, AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor John stated that CAS's approval to temporarily suspend the 12-month ban on these 7 players is an extremely rare development. He emphasized that since he took office as AFC Secretary General in 2015, this is the first time CAS has agreed to a stay of execution in similar cases.

According to Windsor, CAS's acceptance of the suspension request is “extremely difficult”, as the conditions set by the court are always very stringent. “They requested a suspension order and CAS approved it. This is exceptionally rare because CAS’s criteria are very strict. From AFC’s experience, almost all cases where disciplined parties appeal to CAS and request a suspension have failed,” the AFC Secretary General explained.

Windsor further revealed that during his tenure, there has never been a case where CAS approved a suspension for disciplined parties like in this Malaysian players’ case. “Therefore, the current chance can be estimated at about 50-50,” he assessed, also noting that this is a much more positive rate compared to previous norms.

However, AFC leadership also pointed out that FIFA has yet to present its official stance on this matter. CAS has only heard arguments from the players’ side so far, while FIFA’s opinions and counter-submissions will be reviewed in the next phase.

According to the schedule, February 26 will be a decisive date when CAS fully evaluates arguments from both sides before issuing a final ruling. This outcome will not only directly affect the future of the 7 Malaysian naturalized players but may also set a significant precedent for player eligibility disputes in the Asian region.