Indonesian media comments positively on Vietnam's national team as CAS postpones verdict.

Indonesian media, particularly Superball, has responded significantly after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decided to postpone announcing the final verdict related to the illegal naturalization case of the Malaysian national team.

According to published information, CAS's final ruling in this case was initially scheduled to be announced in the early morning of February 27, 2026. However, the Switzerland-based body confirmed that the panel requires additional time to thoroughly review all documents and evidence before reaching a final decision.

A CAS spokesperson stated that after the hearing, the panel will continue internal deliberations and cannot yet provide an exact timeline for the final verdict. Nevertheless, an interim decision is expected to be issued next week. Due to the case's significance, CAS also affirmed it will release an official press statement once conclusions are reached.

This development keeps regional public opinion attentive, especially as the case has persisted for many months. Previously, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) filed an appeal not seeking to overturn all FIFA sanctions but rather requesting reduced suspension terms to allow players to return to play sooner. This approach is seen as indirectly acknowledging wrongdoing in the naturalization process.

FAM has also undertaken reform measures, with its entire executive committee (exco) resigning en masse as part of internal federation restructuring. In this context, CAS delaying its verdict impacts not only Malaysia but also directly affects other national teams in the region, including Vietnam.

Superball writes: "Vietnam is forced to wait further after CAS's final ruling is postponed. Vietnam is among the teams affected by Malaysia's actions, alongside Nepal, in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. In those two matches, Malaysia is alleged to have fielded seven illegally naturalized players who were actually ineligible."

Indonesian media adds: "Public opinion in the 'Land of the Blue Dragon' expects Malaysia to face severe penalties, including potential disqualification. If that occurs, Vietnam's path in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers would no longer be impacted by the heavy defeat to Malaysia in their previous encounter."

According to Superball, CAS extending the timeline for the verdict further intensifies the situation. The Malaysian national team's naturalization scandal thus remains a focal point in regional football, as all await the final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the coming period.