Suspended for 12 months, Malaysian naturalized star returns to Argentina

Malaysia’s naturalized star Imanol Machuca heads back to Argentina following a 12-month suspension imposed by FIFA.

Argentine-born Malaysian naturalized player Imanol Machuca has officially returned home to rejoin Club Velez Sarsfield (only for training), after being banned from playing for 12 months by FIFA due to allegations of falsifying nationality documents.

According to the New Straits Times, Machuca is traveling from Malaysia to Buenos Aires after working with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding the case that has shocked the country’s football scene.

Previously, on September 25th, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee issued heavy sanctions against FAM and a group of seven players accused of falsifying nationality documents when registering to play for Malaysia’s national team. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, while Machuca and six other players were banned for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs each.

The other six players on the list include Facundo Garcés, Héctor Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, João Figueiredo, and Jon Irazabal. All seven players have recently represented Malaysia and traveled to Kuala Lumpur to meet FAM officials to coordinate the preparation of an appeal to FIFA.

Velez Sarsfield’s head coach, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, confirmed that Machuca has left Malaysia and is expected to return to Argentina by the end of this week.

“Today, we spoke with Machuca. He is on his way home, currently in transit, and will soon arrive in Buenos Aires. He remains optimistic after clearly explaining the situation to FIFA and hopes the ban will be lifted soon. For now, we can only wait for the final decision,” Schelotto shared with the press Sabadovelezok.

However, until FIFA gives an official response, Machuca is not allowed to play for Velez Sarsfield. Coach Schelotto expressed regret over losing one of the team’s best-performing players:

“He is an important player who always gives his all on the field. We hope the matter will be resolved soon so Machuca can return to playing.”

According to Argentine experts, Machuca is one of Velez’s most consistent performers this season. Before moving to Malaysia, he was a standout player in the Argentine league, known for his energetic style and versatile attacking ability on both wings.

Meanwhile, FAM is finalizing its appeal to FIFA, hoping to reduce the penalties and clear the names of the naturalized players involved, with Machuca being one of the most notable figures.