SHOCKING: Naturalized Malaysian player still holds Argentine nationality

According to the Alaves club system, Facundo Garces is currently recorded as Argentine even though he has naturalized and represented Malaysia internationally.

Official data from Alaves club confirms that Facundo Garces, who has appeared for the Malaysian national team, is consistently registered as holding Argentine nationality in all matches played in Spain. This information raises numerous questions about the transparency of the 26-year-old player's naturalization process.

What shocks fans the most is that Garces has officially played for Malaysia's national team, wearing their jersey in international matches and was even expected to become a key player for Malaysian football. However, official La Liga records continuously list him as an Argentine citizen. This contradiction risks violating FIFA’s strict regulations regarding nationality changes and eligibility to play for a national team.

Facing pressure from the media and football authorities, Deportivo Alaves recently announced an indefinite suspension of Garces. This move highlights the seriousness of the issue, as even a single error in naturalization documentation can lead to significant consequences for both the player and the club.

Moreover, Garces unexpectedly removed the Malaysian flag from his personal social media accounts, further fueling public suspicion. Many Malaysian fans interpret this action as a sign that the Argentine-born player might be turning his back on Malaysian football following the scandal.

Garces joined Deportivo Alaves earlier this year and quickly became a crucial defensive figure. He has played consistently from the start of the season, helping Alaves maintain stability and an impressive start in La Liga. Therefore, the nationality issue not only causes legal turmoil but also directly impacts the Basque club’s tactical plans.

From a professional perspective, Garces’ absence forces Deportivo Alaves to adjust their tactical formation in the upcoming period.

The Garces case is not only an internal matter for Alaves but also a hot issue internationally, compelling FIFA to impose strict penalties to ensure fairness and transparency in world football.