Malaysia's premier tournament confirms the suspension of 3 naturalized players sanctioned by FIFA
The Malaysia Professional Football League (MFL) organizers have confirmed receiving an official notification from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) about FIFA’s decision to suspend 7 naturalized players for a period of 12 months.
In the statement released today, September 29, MFL said: "Three players from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) — Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel — are among those affected and will be prohibited from playing in any M-League competitions during their suspension period."
Joao Figueiredo (center), Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel are the players subject to disciplinary action and banned from participating in all M-League tournaments during their suspension. Photo: NST
MFL also stated that further measures will only be considered after FIFA announces the outcome of FAM’s appeal against the penalties.
On Friday, September 26, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately 1.9 million RM) and imposed a 12-month suspension along with a 2,000 Swiss francs fine on each of the seven players.
These players include: Facundo Garcés, Imanol Machuca, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, Joao Figueiredo, and Jon Irazabal.
According to FIFA regulations, FAM has 10 days from the date of receiving the full decision to submit an appeal.
With the 12-month suspension, these players will also be unable to represent Johor Darul Ta’zim in the AFC Champions League Two and the ASEAN Championship 2025/26.
In the ASEAN Championship 2025/26, Johor Darul Ta’zim is grouped with Nam Dinh Club in the ASEAN Club Championship.
In the ASEAN Club Championship, Johor Darul Ta'zim has played only one match so far, defeating Singapore’s Lion City Sailors 3-1.
Meanwhile, the Steel Blue Nam Dinh Club has also played one match, beating Cambodia’s Svay Rieng 2-1.
Links
Contact
Address：UNIT 1804 SOUTH BANK TOWER, 55 UPPER GROUND,LONDON ENGLAND SE1 9E
Number：+85259695367
E-mali：[email protected]
App
