The long-running eligibility saga involving seven Malaysia National Team-linked players has entered a decisive new phase, as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed that an in-person hearing will take place on 26 February 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
CAS announced that the appeals — involving both the players and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) — have been officially consolidated and will be heard jointly at the organisation’s headquarters.
The consolidated proceedings cover the following cases:
- Facundo Tomás Garcés Rattaro v. FIFA
- Rodrigo Julián Holgado v. FIFA
- Imanol Javier Machuca v. FIFA
- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) v. FIFA
- João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo v. FIFA
- Gabriel Felipe Arrocha v. FIFA
- Jon Irazabal Iraurgui v. FIFA
- Héctor Alejandro Hevel Serrano v. FIFA
With all appeals now grouped together, CAS will evaluate the matter in one coordinated session — a move that could accelerate the final resolution.
The players were originally sanctioned by FIFA on 25 September 2025, receiving a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.
However, on 26 January 2026, CAS granted provisional measures, effectively issuing a legal stay of execution that temporarily suspends the ban until the arbitration process is concluded.
While the provisional clearance remains in effect for now, CAS’s ruling after the February hearing will ultimately decide whether the FIFA suspensions are upheld, reduced, or overturned entirely.
Credit Photo : CAS
