KUALA LUMPUR: National team adviser Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s revelation that FIFA may lessen the suspension on seven heritage players means they have a chance to revive their careers.
FIFA has fined the seven players — Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel — 2,000 Swiss francs each (RM10,860) and banned them for 12 months from all football activities over registration discrepancies.
The FA of Malaysia has appealed the FIFA sanctions and a final judgment is expected on Oct 30.
Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said a reduced ban would benefit players like Garces and Holgado, who play in top leagues in Spain and Colombia, as it would allow them to regain form and club momentum sooner.
Zulakbal explained that the “reversibility” effect — where training gains diminish when activity stops — would be less severe if the suspension period is shortened.
“In football, reversibility refers to the loss of conditioning when training stops. The longer the ban, the greater the decline,” said the Asian Football Confederation Professional Coaching Diploma holder.
“If a player stops training for two to three weeks, there will already be a loss in fitness. A year-long ban from all football activity would definitely affect their condition.
“I read that FAM has appealed, and if the ban is reduced, it will be good because the players can return to football sooner. These players are in their prime, so a six-month ban will not affect their form much.”
However, Zulakbal said while physical condition can be restored, rebuilding reputation and career trajectory will take longer.
Defender Garces, who plays for Deportivo Alaves in La Liga, saw his market value plunge following the ban, while striker Holgado was granted unpaid leave by America de Cali.
“The players’ future has been affected. Some have seen their market value fall and lost income during the suspension,” he said.
“Time cannot be reversed — that’s the real impact of a suspension. But with the right support system, their physical condition can still be rebuilt.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
