FIFA is considering reducing the sentences for the seven Malaysian naturalized players.

FIFA is considering drastically reducing the 12-month bans imposed on seven naturalized Malaysian players, after assessing that the document irregularities were not intentional. The final ruling is expected on October 30th, opening up a chance for these players, currently at the peak of their careers, to salvage their season, while the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will likely still face its own disciplinary action.

Key developments: 12-month suspension may be shortened.

The information was shared by Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and published in the New Straits Times. Earlier in September, FIFA imposed a heavy penalty: a 12-month ban from all football activities and a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs for each player. The affected group includes: Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel.

Initially, this was considered a penalty that could severely disrupt a career, especially for center-back Facundo Garces, who was performing outstandingly in La Liga for Alaves. However, FIFA's new assessment of the "unintentional" nature of the record-breaking error has created room for leniency.

Why there's a chance for a reduced sentence: the crucial factor is subjective fault.

The turning point lies in FIFA's assessment that the players did not intentionally commit fraud. Given that naturalization applications often involve multiple levels of authority, the lack of intentional wrongdoing allows the governing body to consider reducing the duration of the ban, thus avoiding completely ruining the careers of players in their prime.

Professional impact: a chance of survival for the current season.

Football critic Dr. Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes that shortening the ban to "a few months" would be crucial. A shorter timeframe would give clubs a basis to retain players, avoiding legal repercussions related to contract compensation. Conversely, a full 12-month suspension would almost certainly push players out of the top league, forcing them to seek opportunities in lower divisions.

From a personnel standpoint, teams planning their mid-season squads will minimize disruption if the penalty area is shortened. For Garces, this is an opportunity to maintain the La Liga rhythm within Alaves' defensive system. Similarly, Rodrigo Holgado – a player currently playing in the top Colombian league – can avoid a prolonged interruption that could easily erode his form.

Timeline and scenario

The ruling is expected to be announced on October 30th. There are two main scenarios: a significant reduction in the ban duration, allowing the players to return to training and register for matches sooner; or maintaining the 12-month ban – an option seen as a complete break from the current season. However, according to sources, FAM is unlikely to reverse its decision and will most likely still face a separate sanction from FIFA.

7 players are under consideration.

• Gabriel Palmero
• Facundo Garces
• Rodrigo Holgado
• Imanol Machuca
• Joao Figueiredo
• Jon Irazabal
• Hector Hevel

Overall perspective: the challenge of balancing discipline and fairness.

The Malaysian case presents a familiar dilemma in top-level football: maintaining legal boundaries while avoiding the deprivation of career opportunities if subjective factors are absent. FIFA's consideration of reducing the penalty – if confirmed – demonstrates an effort to adjust the "punishment-reversal" ratio to protect the integrity of the tournament and limit unintended damage to all parties involved.

Things to watch out for

• October 30th: the date FIFA announces its final decision.
• The possibility of immediate application to competition registration arises if the ban period is shortened.
• The level and form of disciplinary action against FAM.

Until an official decision is made, seven players remain in limbo. But at least, the "not intentional" assessment has opened a way out – a rare opportunity to turn their careers around this season.