Machuca still receives salary despite 12-month FIFA ban in Vélez
FIFA upholds 12-month ban on 7 Malaysian naturalized players. Machuca is banned from training and playing but will continue to be paid by Vélez Sarsfield pending appeal to CAS.
Imanol Machuca, a naturalized Argentine player who plays for Malaysia, is still being paid in full by Vélez Sarsfield despite being suspended by FIFA for 12 months. The suspension of seven naturalized Malaysian players for alleged involvement in falsifying documents has been upheld; the parties have the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While awaiting a final decision, Machuca is temporarily not allowed to train or play for the club.
12-month ban from FIFA and right to appeal to CAS
According to Sabado Velez, FIFA has upheld the disciplinary action of 12-month bans and fines against the group of seven naturalized Malaysian players, including Machuca. The decision now allows the relevant parties to appeal to CAS. During this period, Machuca and the named players are not allowed to register for matches or participate in training with the club until the case is resolved.
The suspension from even training has put the 26-year-old striker's career in doubt. However, the legal door is still open as he can pursue the appeal process until all opportunities before CAS are closed.
Vélez Sarsfield guarantees rights for Machuca
“The club will wait until the final appeal process is over before making a decision on Machuca,” a Sabado Velez source said. “He still has the right to take the case to CAS and Vélez Sarsfield will maintain its stance until all appeal opportunities are exhausted.”
Notably, despite the suspension, Machuca's rights are still protected by his club. Sabado Velez quoted internal information from the Argentine team: "While waiting for the final decision, the club will continue to pay salaries to ensure the rights of the players." This approach is aimed at minimizing the risk of legal disputes that may arise in the future.
Contradictory fates: Holgado, Palmero and contract risk
While Machuca has secured financial security, some of the other players in Group 7 have not been so fortunate. According to the source, Rodrigo Holgado (America de Cali) and Gabriel Palmero (Unionistas/CD Tenerife) have had their salaries cut or their contracts terminated. The differences reflect how each club has handled legal risks and contractual commitments in the context of pending sanctions.
At the national team level, FIFA's decision to uphold the 12-month sentence and fine has left the group of 7 naturalized players with almost no chance of returning to the national team, even while the appeal process to CAS is underway.
Hotspots remain open
The case now revolves around three main axes: the alleged falsification of documents before playing for Malaysia, the 12-month suspension and fine upheld by FIFA, and the appeal process at CAS. The final decision will determine Machuca’s short-term future at Vélez Sarsfield as well as the playing opportunities of the group of players involved.
- FIFA maintains 12-month bans and fines for seven players.
- Machuca is temporarily banned from training and competing but is still paid by Vélez Sarsfield.
- The club awaits a final decision before deciding the player's future.
- Some other cases were salary cut or contract liquidation.
- An appeal to CAS is the only legal avenue left at this point.
In the meantime, Machuca has minimal financial security and support from his club – a significant difference from some of his former teammates who are facing contract disruptions. But in terms of playing time, he must wait for CAS’s decision to see if he can return to the pitch in time for the suspended year.
