Recently, a Malaysian newspaper revealed that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is facing great pressure, not only from public opinion but also from its own 7 naturalized players.
According to this source, the above group of players agreed to sue FAM, demanding compensation for thinking that there were errors in the Federation's file processing process. This is the reason why FIFA banned them from playing for 12 months.
These 7 players include Gabriel Arrocha (Palmero), facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao figueiredo, Jon Iraurgui and Hector Hevel. In the decision FIFA issued at the end of September, all were suspended from all football activities for 12 months - a penalty that almost ended their peak playing careers.
The case of facundo Garces is considered the most regrettable. The Argentine midfielder is playing impressively in La Liga and was once considered capable of wearing the national team jersey of his hometown. However, choosing to become a Malaysian citizen has turned his career towards risks.
Initially, Malaysian fans hoped FIFA would consider reducing the penalty after FAM filed an appeal. However, in early November, the World Football Federation officially rejected the petition and kept the 12-month suspended sentence.
As a result, many players have had their contracts terminated by their home clubs or teams, such as Palmero - who has just been loaned to Tenerife by Salamanca ( Spain).
According to the Malaysian daily, the lawsuit against FAM is not only aimed at claiming material rights but also helps the group of players find a way to prove their innocence, thereby hoping to reduce their sentences from FIFA or the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Meanwhile, FAM is still trying to appeal to CAS. However, with new developments, their chances of success are increasingly slim.
