Players involved in the fraudulent naturalization scandal of Malaysian football are facing direct consequences for their careers.
Recently, Spanish Second Division club Unionistas Salamanca terminated the contract with Gabriel Palmero, a 23-year-old left-back borrowed from Tenerife.
Palmero is one of eight players suspended by FIFA for 12 months due to his illegal naturalization.
Before the incident, Palmero was assessed to have the potential to develop in higher leagues than Spain. He grew up at the Las Palmas academy and played for many small teams in Spain.
However, after naturalizing and playing for Malaysia, Palmero's career began to struggle when FIFA issued a heavy penalty. Therefore, Salamanca decided to terminate his contract and return to Tenerife, making his chances of advancing to top tournaments remote.
Not only Palmero, many other naturalized players are also facing similar risks.
Colombian media reported that Rodrigo Holcado, who plays for America de Cali, could have his contract terminated early. In Argentina, players like Imanol Machuca and facundo Garces initially received support from their home teams, but after FIFA rejected FAM's appeal, their future remains unclear.
In parallel with the players suffering individual consequences, FAM is determined to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The cost of this legal journey is estimated at at least 300,000 USD, excluding travel and lawyer expenses.
However, the Governor of Johor - Khanh Ismail Ibrahim has pledged to fully sponsor. In that context, the players involved still have to face a difficult situation when their careers are interrupted by off-field scandals.
