The future of seven heritage players linked to the Harimau Malaya national squad will be decided during a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal hearing scheduled for February 25–26, 2026. The players, including Facundo Garces and Rodrigo Holgado, were previously handed 12-month bans by FIFA over documentation issues, but have been granted a "stay of execution" pending the CAS outcome. This allows them to continue their professional careers until a final verdict is reached. 

The outcome is critical for Malaysia’s national team as they prepare for a crucial 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in Hanoi on March 31. There is a lingering risk that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) could forfeit Malaysia's earlier wins if the players are ultimately deemed ineligible. Meanwhile, the squad faces further injury concerns with star winger Arif Aiman unlikely to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the March international window.