CAS partially reduces sanctions for 7 Malaysian naturalized players, rejects FAM's appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially upheld the appeal of 7 Malaysian naturalized players who were sanctioned for document forgery in a case related to eligibility by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), while also ruling that their match suspension will only apply to official matches.

The consolidated appeal by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was dismissed, and FIFA's decision to fine FAM 350,000 Swiss Francs (CHF) remains unchanged.

In 2025, FAM approached players Facundo Tomás Garcés Rattaro, Rodrigo Julián Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano, informing them they could legally apply for Malaysian citizenship and play for the national team under FAM. The players underwent naturalization procedures and were issued Malaysian passports.

On September 25, 2025, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee concluded that FAM and the players violated the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) by using forged documents in the naturalization and eligibility process, despite the players having no prior connection to Malaysia.

This decision was upheld by FIFA's Appeal Committee on November 3, 2025, confirming the 350,000 CHF fine for FAM and a 2,000 CHF fine plus a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities for each player.

FAM and the players filed a consolidated appeal to CAS on December 5, 2025.

In the appeal, FAM acknowledged the existence of "systemic shortcomings" and did not deny its potential liability for violating the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FAM also stated the players played only a limited role in providing the required documents and were not the ones who prepared or altered them.

FAM's appeal sought to annul the FIFA Appeal Committee's decision and proposed that FAM be fined no more than 50,000 CHF.

The players' appeal sought to completely annul the FIFA Appeal Committee's decision, or alternatively, to apply a proportionate sanction, as they did not act with fraudulent intent or negligence.

The appeals were jointly considered by the CAS Panel consisting of: Lars Hilliger (Denmark) – President; José Luis Andrade (Portugal); Massimo Coccia (Italy).

A hearing took place in person on February 26, 2026, at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

After reviewing the evidence, the CAS Panel concluded that the act of forging eligibility documents was established and that the 12-month suspension was reasonable and proportionate for the players, considering their complicity in this fraud.

However, pursuant to Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the panel decided the ban should only apply to matches, not all football-related activities. This means the players can continue training with their clubs during the suspension period.

Therefore, the players' appeals were partially upheld and the sanctions were partially modified.