KUALA LUMPUR – The pending verdict in the case involving seven heritage Harimau Malaya players at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will not disrupt the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
CAS has yet to deliver its ruling following a hearing held on February 26.
While the AFC is also awaiting the outcome, the delay is not expected to affect the competition’s planning or scheduling at this stage.
Speaking to Scoop, AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the confederation still has sufficient time before any official announcement is made and does not foresee immediate complications.
“We will wait for the decision from CAS. We still have some time, so there is no issue for now,” he said, adding that the AFC would only consider its next course of action once the full ruling is released.
CAS officials have previously indicated that they are unable to provide a specific timeline for the appeal decision, although a ruling is anticipated sometime this week.
The prolonged wait means Malaysian football supporters must remain patient before learning the final outcome affecting the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven players involved — Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
In September last year, FIFA imposed a fine of 350,000 Swiss Francs (approximately RM1.8 million) on FAM.
Each player was also fined 2,000 Swiss Francs (around RM10,650) and handed a 12-month suspension over allegations of document falsification.
FAM and the seven players subsequently lodged an appeal. However, FIFA’s appeal committee dismissed it in November, upholding the original sanctions.
The national body then escalated the matter to CAS. In January, CAS granted a provisional stay on the 12-month suspensions imposed by FIFA, allowing the players to resume playing for their respective clubs while awaiting the final verdict. – March 3, 2026