Friend Voices Disappointment Over CAS Decision Involving Seven Players

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Harimau Malaya chief executive officer Rob Friend has expressed disappointment over the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the case involving seven national players, despite the mitigation of the sanctions imposed.

He said the arguments presented during the appeal proceedings had provided strong grounds for a different outcome from the ruling delivered by the world’s highest sports tribunal.

He added that the players had conducted themselves with professionalism and integrity throughout the process despite facing a challenging period following the case, which drew significant attention in Malaysian football.

“In our view, the sanctions imposed on the players remain excessive and appear disproportionate when compared with several previous cases involving similar circumstances, where full suspension from football activities was not imposed.

“This has been an extremely difficult period for the players and their clubs, who have supported them throughout despite having no involvement in the underlying issues,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, he said the focus now is to stand firmly behind the players while ensuring the national team remain focused on their upcoming assignment.

“Our responsibility now is to stand firmly behind the players, focus on the upcoming match against Vietnam (in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers) and ensure that Malaysian football emerges stronger and more united from this experience,” he said.

On Thursday (March 5), the CAS partially upheld the appeals of the seven Harimau Malaya players against the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) sanctions for the falsification of naturalisation and eligibility documents.

In the operative decision issued without detailed grounds, the CAS ruled that the seven players remain subject to a 12-month suspension. However, the ban now applies only to official matches, and not all football-related activities.

The CAS maintained that the fine of CHF350,000 (about RM1.8 million) imposed on FAM is justified, proportionate, and remains in force.

The seven players involved are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.

The issue came to light last September, when FIFA found that falsified documents had been used to support the eligibility of seven foreign-born players who represented Malaysia in international matches.

-- BERNAMA