The Malaysian government speaks out following the CAS ruling regarding 7 naturalized players.

The Malaysian government stated that it accepts the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning the case of 7 players using invalid naturalization documents, and affirmed that this scandal will not disrupt the national football development plan.

According to New Straits Times, Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Taufiq Johari affirmed the Malaysian government accepts the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) because this decision was made after undergoing the full legal process. Taufiq stated:

“The legal process was conducted properly, and we accept that decision. We will consider the next steps to be taken. We view this as a lesson and will evaluate the subsequent actions for the ministry. Certainly, the development of football, especially at the grassroots level, cannot stop here..”

This statement was issued after CAS upheld FIFA's penalty against the 7 players, due to their use of invalid documents during the naturalization process to represent the Harimau Malaya squad (nickname of the Malaysian national team).

Taufiq said the ministry will continue collaborating with strategic partners, including the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), to strengthen the national football development plan. He stated: “Programs such as the National Football Development Program (NFDP) will continue to be implemented. The National Sports Council (NSC) will ensure that NFDP continues to train players from the grassroots level.”

CAS upheld the 12-month suspension for the 7 players: Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, and Facundo Garces.

Meanwhile, Taufiq also congratulated the Malaysian national hockey team for qualifying for the World Cup to be held in the Netherlands in August, as well as track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang after winning 1 gold medal and 1 bronze medal at the UCI World Cup in Perth.

Taufiq made these remarks while attending the Iftar Ramadan Madani (IRAMA) program at Masjid Al-Ikhlas, Pulau Sepom, Tikam Batu. During this event, he contributed 20,000 RM to support the program and assist 200 individuals classified as asnaf (eligible recipients). Additionally, 25,000 RM was allocated to Masjid Al-Ikhlas for infrastructure development.