The naturalized Malaysian player continued to play despite being suspended by FIFA, and the ‘main figure’ has yet to comment.

25/12/2025 10:22:00 FieldFrenzy

The appearance of winger Imanol Machuca at his former club San Lorenzo sparked controversy when Argentine media reported that he was found participating in a training match with the team, even though he is still serving a suspension imposed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

This situation raises serious concerns about violations of the 12-month ban that Machuca and six other naturalized players are currently serving.

Notably, the sanction is not only a ban on playing but also a comprehensive prohibition on all football-related activities.

Machuca’s presence at San Lorenzo’s training center has caused alarm. Photo: Hairul Anuar Rahim

According to reports, Machuca’s attendance at San Lorenzo’s training facility has raised worries about potential breaches of the strict regulations set by FIFA.

“This penalty is not limited to prohibiting participation in official matches. It encompasses all football activities, including training with the team, using the club’s facilities, and being present in the technical area,” as interpreted from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision.

The article also emphasizes that Machuca’s presence at San Lorenzo, possibly driven by emotional ties since this club marked the beginning of his career, is still regarded as a serious breach of the terms of his current suspension.

“Being at the club’s facilities or taking part in any collective activity can be seen as disrespecting FIFA’s decision,” the source added.

If Machuca is found to have violated the suspension period, FIFA has the authority to extend the ban beyond 12 months, impose additional financial penalties, and consider sanctions against the club for harboring or allowing the player to use its facilities.

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Besides Machuca, six other players—Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel—who previously played in two 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matches are also under the same punishment.

It is worth recalling that a major controversy engulfed the Malaysian national team when seven players were heavily sanctioned by FIFA after being found to have forged documents to qualify for the Malaysian team.

As a result, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was fined 350,000 CHF (about 1.8 million RM), while each player was fined 2,000 CHF (about 10,560 RM) and banned from all football activities for 12 months, effective immediately.

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