FIFA and CAS have both temporarily lifted the sanctions, but Malaysia remains concerned.

Malaysian experts believe that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) postponing the enforcement of the sanctions is merely a procedural step in the legal process and does not imply that the players have been declared innocent.

According to Malaysia's New Straits Times (NST), the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to delay the execution of sanctions against seven naturalized players has attracted significant attention in the regional football community. However, football analyst Datuk Pekan Ramli emphasized that this ruling does not mean the players have been found not guilty, but rather it reflects adherence to legal principles during the appeals process.

Speaking to Malaysian media, Pekan Ramli stated that the CAS decision was expected and not a form of favoritism. He explained that suspending the enforcement of sanctions while an appeal is ongoing is a common judicial practice to protect the legal rights of those involved until a final verdict is reached.

“In most legal frameworks, a sentence is not fully enforced while an appeal is pending, allowing the individuals involved to continue their normal activities until a final decision is made,”Pekan analyzed. He highlighted that CAS acted appropriately by not immediately suspending the players, especially considering that professional football is their primary livelihood.

According to this expert, the key issue lies in the timing of FIFA’s imposition of the sanctions. “FIFA’s action was not necessarily wrong, but it deviated somewhat from standard legal procedures. We need to view this matter more broadly because every decision involves certain stages before the final ruling is issued,”Pekan stated. He believes that imposing sanctions prematurely could seriously harm the players’ careers while the case is still under review.

“The process continues up to the CAS level, which can be likened to an appellate court. Only after the final decision at CAS is made can the sanctions be fully enforced,” Pekan emphasized. According to Malaysian media, CAS has not yet issued a final verdict, and the permission for the players to compete is only temporary.

Nevertheless, Pekan Ramli also warned that the suspension of the sanctions does not imply the matter is resolved. “Currently, they are allowed to play, and at the club level, there is no issue if teams choose to field them. But are we ready to accept that risk at the national level?”he questioned. Malaysian observers noted that an unfavorable CAS ruling in the future could have serious consequences for the country’s football image, reputation, and competitiveness.