Malaysian expert calls for composure ahead of CAS ruling

Before the CAS hearing regarding the forged player documents case, Malaysian specialists call on everyone involved to stay composed and approach the verdict with a mature attitude.

Before the CAS appeal hearing related to allegations of forged documents involving seven naturalized players on the Malaysian national team, Malaysian experts have called for calmness and clear-headedness from all parties.

Sports expert Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli emphasized that regardless of the final outcome, the most important thing is for Malaysian football to accept the ruling in a responsible and mature manner. According to him, this is not simply a matter of winning or losing before an international judicial body, but also a test of the governance capability and credibility of the nation's football system.

“At this sensitive time, we need to keep a cool head. No matter the result, the key is to look forward and turn this into a new turning point for our football,” he shared with Astro Arena.

The expert also warned that even if Malaysia wins at CAS,he believes a victory based solely on technical loopholes in the regulations is insufficient to prove innocence in principle. What is needed is an honest assessment of the core issue: whether violations truly occurred, and where the management system had weaknesses.

According to Mr. Pekan, this incident directly impacts the international reputation of Malaysian football. Therefore, distinguishing right from wrong clearly, ensuring transparency of responsibility, and tightening governance are mandatory to prevent similar controversies from recurring in the future.

The CAS ruling is expected to be announced as early as Friday dawn. Malaysian football faces a critical moment where resilience and openness will determine how it moves forward after this storm.