Malaysian naturalized player surprisingly calm after FIFA sanction

Defender Facundo Garces is reported to remain very composed despite news of a FIFA ban for illegal naturalization in Malaysia.

Recently, Alaves head coach Eduardo Goudet responded to the FIFA sanction imposed on Facundo Garces on September 26.

Facundo Garces, a key player for Deportivo Alaves in La Liga, is also involved in the case concerning penalties against the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) and seven newly naturalized Malaysian players.

He has been a crucial part of Alaves this season, starting every La Liga match before the incident. However, Garces was absent from the squad list in Alaves’ latest match on September 28.

Coach Eduardo Goudet expressed surprise at the news about Garces and affirmed that the defender is an important figure who is handling the situation calmly.

“I don’t believe Garces caused any issues. The topic about him came as a surprise, and I hope it will be resolved in the best possible way. I have spoken with him, and Facu’s calmness in dealing with this situation reassures me. Today, we are missing him, even though Garces is a key part of our strategy to counter Mallorca’s aerial strength,” Coach Goudet shared.

He also expressed hope for a smooth resolution: “The most important thing is that this matter can be handled calmly, and he is staying very composed”, said Eduardo Goudet.

In August, during an interview with Spanish newspaper El Correo, Facundo Garces accidentally revealed that he qualified to represent Malaysia thanks to his “great-grandfather.” This statement immediately sparked doubts because FIFA regulations allow players to represent another country only if their parents or grandparents were born there, or if they have lived continuously in that country for at least five years after turning 18. Relying on a “great-grandfather” is invalid.

Under pressure, Garces quickly clarified that this was a translation error and confirmed that his actual connection is through his grandparents.

Facundo Garces developed through the Colon academy in Argentina, playing 129 matches from 2020 to 2024 before signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with Deportivo Alavés. This La Liga season, he has played full 90 minutes in six games, helping Alavés maintain a mid-table position. However, the FIFA sanction means the Spanish club will lose a key player for the next 12 months.

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