FIFA postpones sanctions on 7 Malaysian stars, heating up the crucial match against Vietnam's national team

FIFA has temporarily lifted the suspension on seven naturalized Malaysian footballers, making the March 31 clash with Vietnam even more intense.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed receiving a letter from FIFA announcing the temporary halt of sanctions against the seven naturalized players. This decision follows the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) approving a stay of execution, allowing the players to continue competing while awaiting the final ruling.

According to FIFA’s notification to member associations, the ban on playing at both domestic and continental levels for the seven Malaysian players was immediately suspended. This means they have fully regained their professional rights, from club appearances to representing the national team. Notably, this decision comes as Malaysia’s most recent official match was their face-off against Vietnam on March 31.

The seven players now "released" include Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. All are naturalized players playing key roles in Malaysia’s plan to boost the strength of the “Malayan Tigers.”

In the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers, the showdown between Malaysia and Vietnam is the regional focal point. FIFA’s temporary lifting of the ban on these seven naturalized players right before this event makes the match especially sensitive, as Malaysia’s squad could be significantly strengthened, sparking controversy over the use of naturalized players that has unsettled Malaysian football for months.

Previously, in September 2025, FIFA imposed heavy sanctions on FAM and these players, accusing them of violations in the eligibility documentation. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, while each player received a 12-month suspension accompanied by fines. CAS later accepted the appeal and allowed a suspension of the sanctions.

According to FAM officials, CAS’s approval of the suspension is a common legal procedure to temporarily protect the parties’ rights until a final verdict is reached. FIFA has also widely communicated this decision to the relevant associations, leading to significant personnel changes within Southeast Asia.

From a technical perspective, the return of the naturalized stars provides a major boost for Malaysia in their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign. If CAS does not issue a final ruling before the end of March and FIFA maintains the current decision, Malaysia could field their strongest squad in the decisive match against Vietnam.

Therefore, the March 31 clash between Malaysia and Vietnam is drawing special attention. FIFA’s temporary lifting of the ban makes the match outcome more unpredictable, forcing Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team to prepare thoroughly against a fully reinforced Malaysian side.

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