Vietnam are not caught off guard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s failure to issue a final ruling in Malaysia’s appeal over alleged improper player naturalization, yet the postponement inevitably creates complications for coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad.

Under the original schedule, CAS was expected to announce its decision in the early hours of February 27. Instead, the court pushed the verdict to early March, citing the need for additional time to thoroughly review documents and arguments from all parties involved.

The delay is not unusual in international legal procedures. Understanding this, Vietnam have maintained proactive preparations for the return leg against Malaysia at the end of March.

Following the heavy defeat in the first leg, both coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnam Football Federation had already mapped out a plan to overturn the 0-4 loss, rather than waiting for the legal dispute surrounding Malaysia to unfold.

Selection puzzle amid uncertainty

Even so, the postponement has certain implications for Kim Sang Sik’s personnel plans, particularly during a crucial period of experimentation and squad evaluation. Every potential legal outcome carries distinct sporting consequences, forcing the coaching staff to calculate more carefully than usual.

If CAS rejects Malaysia’s appeal and upholds the sanction previously issued by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation would likely apply the ruling by awarding 3-0 victories to Nepal and Vietnam in their respective matches against Malaysia.

In that scenario, Vietnam would secure qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup, granting Kim Sang Sik greater freedom in squad selection. He could prioritize long-term planning, integrating emerging talents and testing new tactical options without excessive risk.

However, with the verdict still pending, all plans must remain open-ended. Kim cannot afford to take bold experimental steps, as he must prepare for the possibility that Malaysia retain their current naturalized squad.

This lingering uncertainty makes Vietnam’s preparations more complex from a strategic standpoint. Every personnel decision must be weighed carefully to avoid disadvantage should the final ruling diverge from expectations.

Nevertheless, as reigning ASEAN Cup champions and with a relatively deep and balanced squad that blends experienced veterans, talented naturalized players and promising young stars, Vietnam remain fully capable of achieving their objective in the March 31 rematch against Malaysia.

Duy Nguyen