The Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia national football team, Rob Friend, has expressed disappointment following the recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning the eligibility case involving several Malaysian heritage players.
In an official statement released after the verdict, Friend acknowledged that while some sanctions were mitigated, the overall outcome was still a setback for Malaysian football.
Friend stated that the national team management had believed there were strong arguments for a different outcome, noting that the players involved conducted themselves professionally throughout the legal process.
“We are disappointed with the overall decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, despite the mitigation of the sanctions,” said Friend.
“Based on the arguments presented, we believed there were strong grounds for a different outcome, and the players conducted themselves with professionalism and integrity throughout this entire process.”
The former Canadian international also highlighted concerns over the severity of the penalties handed down, suggesting that the sanctions imposed were disproportionate when compared with previous similar cases.
According to Friend, earlier cases involving comparable circumstances did not result in complete suspensions from football activities, making the current decision particularly difficult for those involved.
“In our view, the sanctions imposed on the players remain excessive and appear disproportionate when compared with several previous cases involving similar circumstances,” he explained.
Friend acknowledged the emotional and professional strain the situation has placed on the players and their respective clubs, many of whom have continued to support them despite not being directly involved in the administrative issues at the heart of the case.
The ruling has had ripple effects across the Malaysian football landscape, affecting both the national team setup and the players’ careers during the suspension period.
Despite the disappointment, Friend emphasized that the immediate priority for the national team is to remain united and focus on upcoming competitive fixtures.
Malaysia will soon turn its attention to an important international match against Vietnam as preparations continue for the next phase of competition.
“Our responsibility now is to stand firmly behind the players, focus on the upcoming match against Vietnam, and ensure that Malaysian football emerges stronger and more united from this experience,” he added.
Credit Photo : FAM
