From FIFA Clearance to CAS Showdown — A Defining Moment for Harimau Malaya
⚽ WHEN FOOTBALL BECOMES A COURTROOM From FIFA Clearance to CAS Showdown — A Defining Moment for Harimau Malaya By Amarjeet Singh @ AJ Kuala Lumpur holds its breath. Not because of a final. Not because of a penalty shootout. Not because of Vietnam. But because of paperwork. Yes — paperwork. In early 2025, seven heritage players were cleared by FIFA to represent Malaysia. Birth certificates were submitted. Eligibility confirmed. Approvals granted. They played. They won. We celebrated. Malaysia 4 – 0 Vietnam. Goals went in. Flags waved. Social media exploded. And then? A complaint. One complaint can change everything. 🧾 THE BEGINNING: WHEN APPROVALS TURN INTO ACCUSATIONS March 2025 — eligibility inquiries submitted. FIFA reviewed. FIFA confirmed. Green light. June 2025 — all seven players featured in the Asian Cup qualifiers. Then on June 11, 2025, FIFA received a formal complaint. Irregularities. Rapid naturalisation. Alleged forged bi...