The Court of Arbitration for Sport has reduced the suspensions for seven heritage players, limiting bans to official matches only, while upholding FAM’s fine.

THE Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially upheld an appeal by seven heritage players against FIFA sanctions for falsifying naturalisation documents.

The CAS Panel ruled that the players shall receive a 12-month ban from official matches only, not from all football-related activities.

The ban commenced on March 5, 2026, with credit given for the period already served from September 25, 2025, until January 26, 2026.

The panel also considered the CHF 350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million) fine imposed on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to be justified and proportionate.

FIFA had originally sanctioned FAM and the players in September 2025 for breaching Article 22 of its Disciplinary Code concerning document falsification.

The case revolved around the eligibility of seven players: Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.

FAM had submitted inquiries to FIFA throughout 2025, enclosing birth certificates to establish the players’ ancestral links to Malaysia.

FIFA initially informed FAM that the players appeared to meet eligibility requirements based on the provided documentation.

The players subsequently featured in several international matches for Malaysia, including Asian Cup qualifiers and Tier-1 friendlies.

Following a complaint, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings in August 2025, alleging the documents were falsified to validate player eligibility.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found FAM and the players guilty and imposed fines and full 12-month football bans.

FIFA’s Appeal Committee rejected appeals by FAM and the players in November 2025, upholding the original decision.

FIFA later overturned the results of three international matches where ineligible players were fielded, awarding 3-0 losses to Malaysia.

CAS temporarily lifted the players’ suspensions in January 2026 ahead of an in-person hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken note of the CAS decision, confirming the matter will be referred to its Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.

 The Sun Malaysia