Indonesian news stirred by the possibility that 7 Malaysian players may have a 50% chance to avoid punishment

Indonesian media, particularly SuperBall, express attention and prudence over the possibility that 7 Malaysian naturalized players could receive a sentence reduction from CAS, changing the regional competitive dynamics.

The Indonesian sports site SuperBall recently updated the latest developments surrounding the Malaysian football naturalization controversy, notably including a frank comment from the Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Datuk Seri Windsor John, regarding the likelihood of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) winning their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

According to SuperBall, CAS’s approval to temporarily suspend FIFA’s ban on the 7 players accused of illegal naturalization is seen as a rare “breath of fresh air” for Malaysian football. Although it is only an administrative decision, it surprised the regional public since CAS rarely accepts requests to delay sanctions in disciplinary cases.

In an interview, the AFC Secretary General admitted that Malaysia’s chances of winning or losing are currently balanced.“If we objectively assess the situation now, Malaysia’s chances are 50-50,” said Windsor John, adding that either outcome—winning or losing—is possible.

SuperBall quoted Windsor’s analysis that CAS’s approval to delay the sanction is not easily granted. “Such requests for suspension are usually very difficult to get approved because the standards are extremely high,” the AFC Secretary General emphasized, viewing this as a rare positive sign for Malaysia.

However, Indonesian media also particularly noted the experienced warning from the head of AFC’s executive body. “Based on our experience, most cases handled by AFC that are brought to CAS result in the suspension request being denied,” Windsor John frankly shared.

Furthermore, the AFC Secretary General confirmed that during his tenure, there has never been a case where CAS completely overturned a sanction. “I have never witnessed any case where the disciplined party received a full pardon,” he added.

According to SuperBall, although Malaysia has a “50% chance on paper,” in reality they still face significant risk before the final ruling. The temporary suspension only allows the players to continue playing for their clubs but does not guarantee a favorable outcome.

“The suspension is a positive signal for the players, but it does not mean Malaysia has won,” the AFC Secretary General concluded. The final CAS decision is expected on February 26, a date that could bring a major turning point for Malaysian football and Southeast Asia.