BREAKING: Is Malaysia ready to concede defeat to Vietnam’s national team this week?

Recent revelations from Malaysian media indicate that the upcoming CAS ruling could create an unfavorable scenario for the national team, with a high chance of being ruled as losing to Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

FAM “stands aside,” leaving the entire hearing to the legal team

Harian Metro (Malaysia) recently updated on the hearing concerning seven naturalized players of Malaysia’s national team held in Lausanne, Switzerland, under the supervision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The case is now entering its decisive phase, as all disputes among involved parties are awaiting the final verdict expected to be announced on or after February 26.

An important detail revealed by Malaysian media is that no senior officials from the Football Association of Malaysia traveled directly to Switzerland to attend. Even the Secretary General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman was absent, as FAM entrusted full authority to the designated legal team representing them at the hearing.

Malaysia does not challenge FIFA, only asks CAS to reduce sanctions for 7 players

Sources from Harian Metro indicate the ruling could be announced very soon, possibly immediately after the hearing concludes this week. Malaysian media predicts the result could be known around 5 a.m. Friday Malaysia time, creating a tense atmosphere among fans ahead of the “moment of truth” for this months-long case.

According to Harian Metro, the CAS trial does not aim to dispute FIFA’s entire decision but focuses solely on the eligibility and sanctions for the seven players. The main appeal goal is to seek a reduction of the 12-month suspension imposed by FIFA since last September due to issues related to playing conditions and legal documentation.

Previously, in January, CAS issued a “stay of execution” order allowing the players to continue club-level matches while awaiting the final ruling. According to additional updates from the Asian Football Confederation, these players are still not permitted to play for the national team, and AFC is coordinating with FIFA to clarify all legal details.

CAS decision, will AFC award Vietnam a 3-0 win over Malaysia?

The case’s development is expected to directly impact Malaysia’s national team squad plans in 2026, especially with a busy international schedule approaching. The match between Vietnam and Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 31 at Thien Truong Stadium has therefore gained significant attention.

Once the CAS ruling is released, experts believe AFC will likely promptly make the next decision based on the final legal conclusions. If CAS upholds the sanctions imposed by FIFA on the Football Association of Malaysia and the seven players involved, Malaysia faces a high risk of being handed a 0-3 forfeit loss in matches against Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers due to player eligibility violations.

Everything now depends on CAS’s decision on or after February 26. If the punishment is reduced, Malaysia could quickly regain key players; otherwise, maintaining the suspension will bring many challenges to the team and indirectly benefit regional rivals.​