KUALA LUMPUR – LaLiga team Deportivo Alavés continues to stand by Facundo Garcés, a defender with ties to Harimau Malaya, despite FIFA's recent announcement of a 12-month suspension for him due to allegations of document forgery.
Garcés is one of seven players penalised under Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The others involved in the case include Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, and Imanol Machuca.
Each player received a one-year ban and a fine of 2,000 Swiss Francs (around RM10,374), while the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was fined 350,000 Swiss Francs (approximately RM1.9 million).
Alavés president Alfonso Fernandez de Trocóniz stated to Futbol Fantasy that the club will refrain from taking any action against the 26-year-old until the appeal process is completed.
He emphasized that this situation is a personal matter for the player and not directly related to the club.
“This issue is beyond the club's control. It’s a personal matter for Facundo, although it does impact us since we cannot utilise his services,” he was quoted saying by the Spanish media outlet.
“The case is still ongoing. Until a final decision is reached, he has the right to appeal. We continue to have faith in him and respect his right to defend himself. We will monitor how things progress.”
Garcés last played for Alavés in September during a league match against Getafe. He has also represented Malaysia in two matches, one against Vietnam in the Asian Cup qualifiers and another in a friendly against Singapore at Bukit Jalil.
In light of FIFA's ruling, FAM announced it will seek the written rationale for the decision before deciding on its next steps, including potentially bringing the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In Spain, reports suggest that one of the sanctioned players, Palmero, has already faced consequences, as third-tier club CD Tenerife has terminated his contract. - November 10, 2025
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