Machuca continues to receive his salary despite being banned by FIFA for 12 months at Vélez.
FIFA upheld the 12-month ban on seven Malaysian naturalized players. Machuca was banned from training and playing, but Vélez Sarsfield continued to pay his salary while awaiting appeal to the CAS.
Imanol Machuca, an Argentinian-born player who has become a naturalized Malaysian national team player, continues to receive his full salary from Vélez Sarsfield despite being suspended by FIFA for 12 months. The suspension remains in effect for the group of seven naturalized Malaysian players for alleged document forgery; the parties are allowed to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While awaiting the final ruling, Machuca is temporarily prohibited from training or playing with the club.
A 12-month ban from FIFA and the right to appeal to the CAS.
According to Sabado Velez, FIFA has upheld the disciplinary action, including a 12-month ban and fine, against the group of seven Malaysian naturalized players, including Machuca. The decision now allows the parties involved to appeal to the CAS. During this period, Machuca and the other named players are not allowed to register for matches or participate in training with their clubs until the case is resolved.
Being suspended from even training puts the 26-year-old striker's career in uncertainty. However, the legal door remains open as he can pursue an appeal until all opportunities before CAS are closed.
Vélez Sarsfield secured Machuca's rights.
A source from Sabado Velez stated: “The club will wait until the final appeals process is complete before making a decision regarding Machuca. He still has the right to take the case to CAS and Vélez Sarsfield will maintain his position of waiting until all appeals are closed.”
Notably, despite his suspension, Machuca's rights were protected by his club. Sabado Velez quoted internal information from the Argentinian team: "While awaiting the final ruling, the club will continue to pay his salary to ensure the player's rights are protected." This approach aims to minimize the risk of potential legal disputes in the future.
Opposite Fates: Holgado, Palmero, and Contract Risk
While Machuca's finances are secure, some other clubs in Group 7 are not so fortunate. According to the same source, Rodrigo Holgado (America de Cali) and Gabriel Palmero (Unionistas/CD Tenerife) have had their salaries cut or contracts terminated. This difference reflects how each club is handling legal risks and contractual commitments amidst the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
At the national team level, FIFA's decision to uphold the 12-month ban and fine means that the group of seven naturalized players have virtually no chance of returning to the national team, even as the appeal process to CAS is underway.
Unresolved hotspots
The case currently revolves around three main points: the allegations of falsifying documents before joining the Malaysian national team, the 12-month suspension and fine imposed by FIFA, and the appeal process at the CAS. The final decision will determine Machuca's short-term future at Vélez Sarsfield as well as the playing opportunities for the group of players involved.
- FIFA upheld the 12-month ban and fines for seven players.
- Machuca was temporarily banned from training and competing, but Vélez Sarsfield continued to pay his salary.
- The club awaits the final ruling before deciding on the player's future.
- In some other cases, salaries were cut or contracts were terminated.
- Appealing to the CAS is the only remaining legal option at this point.
In the meantime, Machuca has minimal financial security and support from the club – a significant difference from some of his former teammates who are facing the risk of contract breaches. But professionally, the gap in playing time means he must wait for the CAS ruling to know whether the door to return to the pitch will open in time for his suspension year.
