The hearing involving the case of seven Harimau Malaya naturalized players at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially concluded. However, the final decision on the matter will only be announced next week.
The case concerns seven players: Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel, Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, and Gabriel Palmero, who were previously found guilty of administrative violations involving document falsification, which enabled them to represent Malaysia at the international level.
As a result of those violations, the seven players were handed suspensions by FIFA last September. In response to the ruling, the Football Association of Malaysia filed an appeal with CAS after receiving FIFA’s final decision.
The appeal hearing was scheduled for Thursday, February 26. According to Astro Arena journalist Zulhelmi Zainal Azam, proceedings concluded early Friday morning, Malaysia time.
“The hearing concluded yesterday, and the appeal decision involving the seven Harimau Malaya players at CAS is expected next week,” Zulhelmi wrote on his X account.
Should CAS rule in favor of FAM’s appeal, all seven players will be eligible to return to action without restriction. However, if the appeal is rejected, the original suspension will be reinstated.
Malaysian football fans now await the final verdict that will determine the future of the seven players.
