According to Vanessa Tracey, CAS communications officer, the decision to allow the seven players to continue playing was only a temporary measure until the case was fully reviewed.
“This means that the disqualification is legally suspended until a final decision is made. But the dispute remains unresolved. In other words, the fact that players continue to play at this time does not guarantee any legal security for either the clubs or the Malaysian national team,” Ms Tracey told the New Straits Times this afternoon. 31 January .
Malaysian football could face further sanctions if the Malaysian Football Federation loses the CAS.
PHOTO: NGOK LINH
CAS issued a stern warning and AFC also did not provide any guarantees.
The CAS specifically noted that if the final decision rules that the players are not eligible to play, the teams that used them will face serious consequences under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
Specifically, Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Regulations states that if a team uses an ineligible player in an official match, it will be awarded a 0-3 loss unless the score on the field is even more unfavorable. This rule applies to all competitions organized by FIFA, from domestic and regional to continental.
CAS also referred to Article R37 of the CAS Code, which allows for interim measures to prevent irreparable harm, but stressed that these measures do not constitute a preliminary determination of a player’s eligibility to compete. This means that the legal risk still lies with clubs and national teams if they “insist” on using a player under suspicion.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul also confirmed that the AFC has sought further clarification and is consulting with FIFA on the matter. He frankly stated that the tournament organizers will not bear risks on behalf of the teams.
“They can play based on the preliminary CAS decision, but we don’t have all the details, so there is always a risk in how the final decision will be interpreted. The responsibility always lies with the club and the player. The organizers do not bear any risk,” Windsor emphasized.
Joao Figueiredo returned to competition immediately after the CAS decision.
PHOTO: NGOK LINH
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also confirmed that it will not issue any special rules to protect clubs, but will continue to strictly apply the current AFC and FIFA rules.
In fact, the risk already existed when three of the seven players involved were playing for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT): Joao Figueiredo, John Irazabal and Hector Evel. All three started in JDT’s 3-0 win over Shan United (Myanmar) in Group B of the Southeast Asian Club Championship (29 January). Meanwhile in Spain, Facundo Garces also returned to the Deportivo Alaves squad against Espanyol (January 29). If the final decision of CAS is unfavorable, such matches may be subject to retrospective review and counted as a loss.
The Malaysian national team coach hopes for a “miracle”.
Despite legal warnings from CAS and the AFC becoming increasingly clear, Malaysia head coach Peter Klamowski is still hoping for a “miracle” to allow seven players to recover in time for the crunch match against Vietnam at the end of March.
The Australian coach admitted he would be willing to welcome this group of players into the team if the final CAS decision goes in their favour. For Kklamowski, it is not just a matter of squad strength, but a life-and-death fight to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
“Of course we hope they can come back. These are experienced players who have played and continue to play an important role in the structure of the team,” shared coach Kklamowski, but also admitted that the situation is currently still beyond the control of the coaching staff.
He particularly emphasized the logistical aspects of the away match at Thien Truong (Nam Dinh) Stadium: “The match venue is approximately 100 km from Hanoi. Therefore, every aspect regarding transport, accommodation and training location must be carefully planned to ensure the players are in the best possible shape.”
Coach Klamowski still hopes that he will have the strongest squad at his disposal for the match against Vietnam.
PHOTO: NGOK LINH
Astro Arena TV reported that the Malaysian national team will hold two training sessions in Vietnam before the match. According to the strategist, this is an important opportunity for players to adapt to the playing conditions and pressure that comes with being away from home, especially since the team may not be able to field its strongest squad.
“There are still a few weeks until the start of the season. We will monitor the situation closely, hoping that all players get enough playing time and reach optimal physical condition. Our goal remains the same: to come to Vietnam and win,” confirmed Klamowski.
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