Hot: CAS officially responds to Malaysia's appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirms it is processing the appeal from the Football Association of Malaysia, yet the high-profile naturalization case has no specific hearing date scheduled.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently issued an official statement regarding the naturalization scandal involving Malaysian football, amid ongoing attention from Southeast Asian audiences. According to CAS, the appeal from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been accepted, but the review process is still at the document exchange stage and no hearing date has been fixed.

In a conversation with StarSport, Ms. Vanessa Tracey, CAS’s media spokesperson, stated that all parties are currently finalizing their written submissions in accordance with procedural rules.

She emphasized: “At this time, we are unable to share any further details about the formation of the arbitration panel for this case.” According to CAS, the absence of a hearing schedule announcement does not imply delay, but reflects the complexity and high sensitivity of the matter.

Ms. Tracey also confirmed that due to the significant media interest regionally and internationally in Malaysia’s football naturalization case, CAS will proactively provide updates once a specific timeline is set.

“As soon as the hearing date is confirmed, CAS will release a brief notice on its official website, along with necessary information to address related inquiries,” she added in an email response.

Previously, on December 8, FAM officially filed an appeal to CAS challenging the sanctions imposed by FIFA. These disciplinary actions include suspensions of seven naturalized players and strict penalties against the Football Association of Malaysia itself. FAM views the appeal as a last effort to protect its reputation and minimize damage to the country’s football scene.

The case originated from FIFA’s 63-page ruling published on November 18. In this document, FIFA upheld all penalties and stated that the use of falsified civil documents to legitimize naturalized players constitutes “a severe breach of the fundamental principles of football.” The ruling also dismissed FAM’s defense arguments, asserting that the national federation holds management responsibility.

While CAS has yet to finalize the hearing date, the scandal continues to cast a shadow over Malaysian football. According to multiple sources, there is a possibility that FIFA and AFC may intervene more deeply in governance if FAM fails to present adequate corrective measures.

Some FAM leaders are reportedly at risk of being removed, and Malaysian investigators are said to have launched a probe into the matter from a criminal legal perspective.

Given the current developments, CAS’s response indicates the legal process will be prolonged, and the future of Malaysian football largely depends on the final verdict from the world’s highest sports arbitration body.