HOT: CAS postpones ruling on Malaysia's illegal naturalization case

Although the hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has concluded, the outcome will be delayed until next week.

The anticipation of Malaysian football fans regarding the appeal result for the seven naturalized players of the national team at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will extend for a few more days. According to the latest information, the adjudicating panel requires additional time to study and evaluate the case files before issuing the final ruling, pushing the announcement date to next week.

This development also ends earlier speculation that the decision would be announced at 4:00 AM on February 27 as initially scheduled. CAS stated that all arguments and evidence from the involved parties are still being meticulously reviewed to ensure objectivity and comprehensiveness before the panel reaches its conclusion.

In a statement to the media, CAS emphasized that an exact timeline for the official ruling cannot yet be confirmed. However, a preliminary decision, not including the full detailed reasoning, is likely to be announced next week to provide the parties with initial information on the case outcome.

Vanessa Tracey, a CAS communications officer, shared that the panel needs more time for deliberation following the hearing. She stated: "After today's hearing, the panel will require time to deliberate. I cannot provide an exact timeline for the decision, but the initial ruling (without full reasons) is expected to be announced next week. As this is a high-profile case, a press release will be issued. I will notify you as soon as it is published."

The case has attracted significant attention as it directly concerns the eligibility of Malaysia's naturalized players, who were previously suspended and fined by FIFA for violating regulations on eligibility to play. After the preliminary ruling is announced, the full reasoned decision will continue to be finalized and sent to the relevant parties, and will only be published publicly if there is no confidentiality request.

According to case documents, the dispute originated from FIFA imposing a 12-month suspension on seven naturalized players: Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel. Following this decision, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) promptly filed an appeal with CAS, aiming to secure a more favorable ruling to pave the way for the players' early return to competition, as they are all considered key figures for the national team.

Complete timeline of the case involving 7 illegally naturalized Malaysian players

OFFICIAL: Malaysian Football Association receives severe penalty from AFC