Malaysian newspaper predicts sad ending for 7 illegally naturalized players

(Dan Tri) - The New Straits Times (Malaysia) said that the future of 7 illegally naturalized players is very uncertain after completing the 12-month ban imposed by FIFA.

“The chance for the group of 7 naturalized players to play for the Malaysian national team again is almost gone, especially when the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) failed in its appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS),” the New Straits Times emphasized.

An uncertain future awaits Malaysian naturalized players (Photo: FAM).

The New Straits Times quoted lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli as saying that seven players, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca, would not be eligible to play for the Malaysian national team even after completing their 12-month ban from FIFA.

“To be eligible to play for the Malaysian national team, a player must have resided in the country for at least five years. According to Article 6(5) of the FIFA Statutes, these players must reside in Malaysia for a minimum of 183 days per year for five consecutive years to meet the requirement,” said Nik Erman.

This means that if they want to play again for the Malaysian team, the 7 players must go through a process similar to naturalization according to regulations, which means living and playing in Malaysia for 5 consecutive years before being eligible.

However, the New Straits Times asserted: “However, after completing 5 years of residence in Malaysia, these players will be burdened by age. At that time, Holgado will turn 36, Figueiredo and Hevel will also be 35. Other players such as Irazabal (34 years old), Garces (32 years old), Machuca (31 years old), Palmero (29 years old) are not young anymore. At that time, the Malaysian team will not necessarily need the services of these players. Therefore, they will likely never wear the “Tigers” shirt again.”

Not many clubs, even in Malaysia, are willing to sign seven illegally naturalized players after they were suspended for 12 months (Photo: Getty).

The New Straits Times also quoted Mr. Effendi Jagan Abdullah, an agent who has worked in Malaysia for more than 20 years and is recognized by FIFA. He emphasized that very few clubs in Malaysia can afford to recruit these players if they still demand high salaries.

“Most clubs in Malaysia are currently facing financial constraints. There are not many rich teams left in the Malaysian league. Maybe one or two will receive an invitation, but it depends on the financial situation of each club,” said Effendi Jagan Abdullah.

According to the Malaysian newspaper, players like Irazabal, Figueiredo and Hevel have an advantage over the rest as they have already arrived in Malaysia to play for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). However, the top Malaysian club is unlikely to need these players after they have served their 12-month suspension.

Now, Malaysian football and the 7 naturalized players are only waiting for a “miracle” when FAM can win the case when appealing to CAS. If CAS upholds FIFA’s decision, Malaysian football will face a serious crisis. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will likely award the Malaysian team a 0-3 loss to Vietnam and Nepal. At that time, the “Tigers” hope of winning a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup will almost end.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/bao-malaysia-du-doan-ket-cuc-buon-cho-7-cau-thu-nhap-tich-trai-phep-20251111131709109.htm