KUALA LUMPUR – Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend has criticised the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision, describing the sanctions imposed on seven national heritage players as “excessive” and “disproportionate,” even after partial mitigation.
In an official statement, the 45-year-old Canadian voiced his disappointment over the ruling, highlighting that the players maintained professionalism and integrity throughout the legal proceedings.
“Based on the arguments presented, we believed there were strong grounds for a different outcome,” he said.
Rob added that the penalties remain harsher than those in comparable past cases, where players were not completely barred from football activities.
“This has been an extremely difficult period for the players and their clubs, who have supported them despite having no involvement in the underlying issues,” he said.
Despite the setback, he emphasised that attention now shifts to preparing for Malaysia’s crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifier against Vietnam on 31 March.
“Our responsibility is to stand firmly behind the players, focus on the upcoming match, and ensure that Malaysian football emerges stronger and more united from this experience,” he added.
Reports indicate that the seven players, often referred to as the ‘false Harimau,’ have no alternative path to represent the national team unless they complete the naturalisation process, which requires a minimum five-year residency in Malaysia.
The players were previously sanctioned for falsifying documents to meet eligibility criteria, a case that captured widespread attention in local football circles. Following investigations by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and subsequent appeals to CAS, their 12-month suspension was upheld.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) has reiterated that clubs and the national team must strictly adhere to player eligibility rules, stressing transparency and compliance with both AFC and FIFA regulations. The league warned that breaches could result in further disciplinary measures, including fines or additional suspensions.
With these developments, Harimau Malaya will need to adjust their squad to focus on eligible players, while the controversy surrounding the seven suspended players serves as a cautionary tale for Malaysian football.
Malaysia currently leads Group F in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with 15 points from five matches — three points ahead of second‑placed Vietnam. – March 9, 2026