A Malaysian newspaper commented: “At a time when fan trust is dwindling and FAM faces the risk of collapse, the emergence of lawyer Serge Vittoz is seen as a breath of fresh air. This legal expert is renowned for his extensive knowledge of international sports law and vast experience in global arbitration.”
Serge Vittoz is currently a lawyer at Charles Russell Speechlys, a prestigious law firm based in Geneva, considered a “hotbed” for legal issues related to global sports. Many major disputes involving international federations, top athletes, and sports governing bodies have been handled there.
With over 100 cases handled at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), lawyer Serge Vittoz is one of the most trusted names in sports law. He frequently deals with complex cases involving disciplinary matters, integrity, and technical procedures, which are core foundations of sporting fairness.
Furthermore, Serge Vittoz has also served as an arbitrator on disciplinary and anti-doping panels in numerous major global tournaments. This practical experience has made him a respected figure within the international sports law community.
FAM’s appointment of Vittoz indicates that the federation is not taking the case of the seven Malaysian players lightly. This is a legal matter requiring profound understanding of technical procedures, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary lawyers when escalated to CAS.
His presence brings hope that Malaysia will not only engage in litigation to defend its stance but also possess a systematic strategy to identify potential procedural errors that may have occurred during the previous disciplinary process.
Fans’ fears of harsher penalties still loom over Malaysian football. However, the Malaysian newspaper believes that Serge Vittoz’s track record of overturning results through sharp technical analysis will help the country’s football turn the tide.
The case is not merely a story of wrongdoing and punishment; it also concerns the honor of Malaysian football and FAM’s international reputation. Therefore, lawyer Serge Vittoz is becoming a beacon of hope as Malaysian football faces a significant challenge.
Makan Bola newspaper expressed confidence in the lawyer: “Malaysia is entering a new phase of the legal battle that will determine the future of the seven aforementioned players. With Serge Vittoz’s extensive track record and international reputation, the prospect of finding justice seems brighter than before.”
