CAS Upholds 12-Month Suspension for Seven Heritage Players Linked to Malaysia
PETALING JAYA — Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld a one-year suspension imposed on seven heritage players connected to the Harimau Malaya following an appeal concerning their eligibility documentation.
Although the suspension remains in place, CAS clarified that the sanction only applies to official match participation and does not extend to all football-related activities.
This means the players will still be allowed to train and remain involved in team-related activities with their respective clubs during the suspension period.
The seven players involved are Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.
The disciplinary case centres on irregularities involving documentation used to establish their eligibility as heritage players representing Malaysia.
At the same time, an appeal submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was dismissed by the CAS panel.
As a result, the financial penalty imposed by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) amounting to CHF350,000, approximately RM1.8 million, will remain in force.
According to CAS, the arbitration panel determined that the one-year suspension from official matches was a proportionate disciplinary measure after reviewing the evidence presented during the proceedings.
The panel concluded that the offence involving falsified eligibility documentation had been proven after examining all submissions and supporting materials.
The appeal hearing took place on February 26 and was presided over by a three-member panel.
The panel was chaired by Lars Hilliger from Denmark, with José Luis Andrade from Portugal and Massimo Coccia from Italy serving as co-arbitrators.
After reviewing the case in detail, the panel concluded that the players shared responsibility for the irregularities linked to the documentation.
However, the panel considered the principle of proportionality when determining the scope of the disciplinary sanction.
Under Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the suspension was limited to participation in official matches rather than all football activities.
As a result, the players’ appeal was partially successful, as the scope of the sanction was revised.
Despite this modification, the core punishment — a 12-month ban from official matches — remains unchanged.
CAS stated that the suspension officially began on March 5, 2026.
However, the panel also recognised a previous period of suspension as part of the overall sanction.
The period between September 25, 2025 and January 26, 2026 has been credited as part of the suspension term.
The decision is expected to affect the national team’s plans, as the absence of the seven heritage players from official matches will influence squad selection in upcoming competitions.
The case has also drawn attention within the Malaysian football community regarding compliance with international eligibility regulations.
Observers say the ruling highlights the importance of strict adherence to FIFA rules when registering players for international competition.
-wilayah.com.my
