Indonesia Newspaper: 'Malaysia Should Not Celebrate Yet Despite FIFA Postponing the Ban'

Indonesian media believe that the recent decision from FIFA is not the final outcome, and Malaysia still faces significant risks ahead.

Indonesian media, including SuperBall, collectively reported that FIFA has temporarily lifted the suspension on seven naturalized Malaysian players after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered a stay on the penalty. However, Indonesian press emphasized that this is only a procedural measure during the appeal process, and not a complete exoneration for Malaysia.

According to SuperBall Indonesia's analysis, the CAS decision and FIFA’s compliance merely reflect international legal customs. When a federation or individual appeals, the punishment is usually suspended until a final ruling is reached. This does not imply that CAS or FIFA acknowledge the innocence of Malaysia’s naturalized players.

Datuk Pekan Ramli, an expert cited by Indonesian media, stated that the postponement is necessary to protect the players' livelihoods. He highlighted that being a footballer is their main source of income, so banning them from playing before the legal process is completed contradicts normal legal standards.

Nonetheless, Indonesian media specifically warn Malaysia “not to celebrate prematurely.” The temporary nature of the suspension means there is a substantial risk if the final CAS ruling is unfavorable to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). In that case, the consequences could be more severe and damage Malaysia’s reputation further.

SuperBall also stressed that Malaysia calling up these seven players to the national team would be a risky gamble. If CAS rejects FAM’s appeal, using these players while the dispute is ongoing might expose Malaysia to harsh criticism from regional public opinion.

At the club level, Indonesian media consider the temporary permission for players to compete less problematic. However, at the national team level, the situation is different because every decision can directly affect Malaysia’s football reputation and competitiveness internationally.

With Malaysia’s national team about to face an important match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in March, Indonesian newspapers raise a serious question: will Malaysia recklessly call up the controversial naturalized players, or choose a safer approach to avoid a more “embarrassing” scenario if the final ruling is adverse?