Seven naturalized players who were sanctioned by FIFA for document fraud are reportedly considering legal action against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to seek compensation for lost income during their one-year suspension.
Four naturalized players appeared at the Malaysian team’s training session at Bukit Jalil Stadium on June 2, 2025 (from L): Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca. Photo by MalaysiaNT
According to a report, the players are exploring the potential of a lawsuit after FAM admitted to “administrative errors” in the application process to FIFA, which led to a one-year ban from all football activities for them.
“Overseas lawyers are in talks with the seven players to consider a lawsuit against FAM,” a source told the newspaper. “This is not surprising as the players have lost their main source of income. Compensation is important for them to survive until the ban ends and to find new clubs.”
The ban is set to expire on Sept. 26, 2026. The career impact has already been severe for several players.
Forward Rodrigo Holgado had his contract terminated by his Colombian club, América de Cali. Defender Gabriel Palmero was released from his loan at Spanish third-division side Unionistas de Salamanca and his parent club, CD Tenerife, also terminated his contract.
The future of Facundo Garces (Deportivo Alaves) and Imanol Machuca (Velez Sarsfield) is uncertain.
Hector Hevel, Joao Figueireido and Jon Irazabal may find it easier as they play for Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
This potential lawsuit adds to FAM’s mounting legal and financial pressure. The association is already liable for a 350,000 Swiss franc (US$434,260) fine from FIFA.
Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, has affirmed that the 15 million ringgit ($3.6 million) allocated by the government for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, where the seven players played in victories against Vietnam and Nepal, cannot be used to pay the FIFA fine.
FAM is also planning a costly appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). JDT owner and Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris, has promised to cover all costs for the lawsuit, though FAM has not yet responded to the offer. The association is currently waiting for a detailed decision report from FIFA Appeal Committee before its 21-day window to take the case to CAS begins.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has requested that the matter be resolved before March 31, 2026, when the Asian Cup qualifiers conclude. After CAS made the final ruling, the AFC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee will also review the case, and FAM still faces a separate case from the FIFA Tribunal regarding the players’ eligibility.
Key Details of the Situation
- Legal Action: Seven naturalized players are considering legal action against FAM to claim compensation for lost income during their suspension.
- Administrative Errors: FAM admitted to administrative errors in the application process to FIFA, leading to the one-year ban.
- Impact on Players’ Careers:
- Rodrigo Holgado had his contract terminated by América de Cali.
- Gabriel Palmero was released from his loan at Unionistas de Salamanca and CD Tenerife.
- Facundo Garces and Imanol Machuca face uncertain futures.
- Financial Burden:
- FAM is liable for a 350,000 Swiss franc fine from FIFA.
- The government has allocated 15 million ringgit for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, but it cannot be used for the FIFA fine.
- Appeal to CAS: FAM is preparing to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with JDT owner Tunku Ismail Idris offering to cover all costs.
- Timeline Pressure: The AFC has requested resolution before March 31, 2026, when the Asian Cup qualifiers conclude.
- Ongoing Cases: FAM still faces a separate case from the FIFA Tribunal regarding the players’ eligibility.
Future Outlook
With the ban set to end in September 2026, the players are looking for ways to recover their lost income and rebuild their careers. The potential lawsuit against FAM could have significant implications, not only for the players but also for the association itself. As FAM navigates these challenges, the outcome of the legal proceedings and the appeals process will be closely watched by football fans and officials alike.