Malaysia awaits one of four official rulings from CAS

A sports law consultant indicated that four potential results could arise concerning Malaysia's seven unlawfully naturalized players.

After the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced it will issue its ruling next week, sports law consultant Zhafri Aminurashid said there are four possible outcomes for the seven heritage-origin players suspended by FIFA.

The levels of sanction include: 1. Full acquittal 2. Partial annulment of penalties 3. Mitigation of punishment 4. Upholding the original sanctions.

Zhafri noted that, ultimately, CAS's decision will be based on how this practical world sports court assesses the cases of alleged document forgery. In that situation, the ruling will rely on evidence rather than public opinion.

The seven players – Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel – were suspended by FIFA for 12 months starting last September for falsifying documents related to eligibility for the Malaysian national team. They appealed to CAS. A full acquittal would mean the CAS panel is satisfied the evidence does not support the charges, thereby reinstating the players' status.

Partial approval could lead to some findings being dismissed while others are upheld, altering the overall effect of FIFA's disciplinary orders.

CAS could also maintain the core findings but reduce the severity of penalties if mitigating factors are accepted. The harshest outcome would be the original sanctions being fully upheld. Zhafri emphasized that regardless of the verdict, it will not be influenced by online debates or external pressure.

Considering the time required to issue the ruling, Zhafri explained that the process extends long after the hearing concludes.

"CAS takes weeks or months after the hearing because the panel must reconvene, review everything carefully, and draft a comprehensive legal decision. The hearing is merely when both sides present their arguments and evidence. Afterwards, the arbitrators deliberate privately, compare notes, reanalyze the evidence, and decide which facts they accept."

He reminded that once the decision is issued, compliance is mandatory within the football system. He said: "CAS decisions are binding on national federations because FIFA recognizes CAS as the final appellate body."