Malaysia naturalized player causes crisis for European club

Malaysian naturalized center-back Facundo Garces is causing significant problems for Deportivo Alaves, with a FIFA suspension sidelining him and creating a defensive dilemma for the La Liga team.

Deportivo Alaves is currently facing a personnel crisis in defense as center-back Facundo Garces, a player registered with the Malaysian national team, remains unable to play due to a FIFA sanction. Given this situation, the Basque club must plan to recruit a new center-back during the upcoming winter transfer window.

According to Spain’s Estadio Deportivo, coach Eduardo Coudet is struggling to rotate his squad. He currently has only two viable options at center-back: Nahuel Tenaglia and Jon Pacheco, while other backups lack sufficient experience to guarantee defensive stability. Therefore, finding a replacement for Garces has become a top priority for Alaves.

The situation is further complicated as Facundo Garces, along with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and six other players, are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Previously, this group was banned by FIFA due to violations related to naturalization issues. The appeal’s outcome is expected before the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers between Vietnam and Malaysia in March next year.

While awaiting the verdict, Garces remains suspended, leaving Alaves in a vulnerable position. The team currently has 18 points after 17 rounds, only 3 points above the relegation zone. Given this, Alaves’ management is concerned that the shortage of center-backs might drag the club into a risky relegation battle.

Sources from Spain reveal that Alaves is considering several potential candidates from La Liga 2 and South America to strengthen squad depth. Coach Coudet prioritizes a player with good physical presence, extensive experience, and the ability to quickly adapt to the high-pressing football philosophy he employs.

If a replacement for Garces is not found soon, Alaves will likely pay the price during the season’s most intense phase when every point could determine their chance to stay in La Liga.