However, their ability to continue their careers still faces many risks as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has not yet issued a final ruling.
After FIFA issued a ban on participating in all football activities for 12 months for the above-mentioned group of players, CAS agreed to temporarily suspend the execution of the penalty from January 26. Thanks to that, 7 Malaysian naturalized players were allowed to return to training and playing while awaiting trial.
However, reality shows that not everyone is given the opportunity to play. Among these, only 4 players have played for their respective clubs, including Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal and Joao Figueiredo (Johor Darul Ta’zim) and Facundo Garces (Alaves, La Liga). In total, this group of players has made 9 appearances since the suspension was lifted.
Imanol Machuca has returned to training with Velez Sarsfield but has not played because he has not reached his best physical condition after a long period of interruption. The coaching staff of the Argentine team said that this player is likely to only be used step by step, starting from the bench.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Holgado and Gabriel Palmero had their contracts terminated from November 2025, falling into prolonged unemployment. Recently, Holgado returned to wear the Coquimbo Unido (Chile) jersey, while Palmero joined Kuching City to play in the Malaysian Super League. Finding a new team for these two players also only took place thanks to the temporary validity of the CAS decision.
According to Malaysian media, CAS is expected to hold a hearing on February 26 in Switzerland. The final ruling will decide whether FIFA's ban is maintained, reduced or revoked. This not only directly affects the careers of related players but also has a major impact on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Previously, FIFA determined that 7 naturalized players had used invalid papers when playing for the Malaysian national team in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers and international friendly matches. In case FAM and the players lose the lawsuit, Malaysia may face additional disciplinary measures from the AFC, including the possibility of losing matches that have used ineligible players.
This development is predicted to significantly affect the situation of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, in which the Vietnamese team may have their points adjusted if penalties are applied.
