Latest news with #FacundoGarces
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Shut out the outside noise, continue your roar
MALAYSIA crushed Vietnam 4-0 last month at a packed National Stadium in Bukit Jalil in a display of dominance, flair and newfound depth. But instead of praise, Harimau Malaya have been pelted with abuse. Social media exploded. Fans from Indonesia and Vietnam accused Malaysia of manipulating the system. Conspiracy theories spread like wildfire. Some even demanded FIFA intervention. And the reason? Not how they played, but who played. That night, nine of Malaysia's starting 11 were naturalised players. Fifteen in total were listed on the team sheet. Six made their international debuts — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Hidalgo, Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazabal. None were born in Malaysia, but all, according to the FA of Malaysia (FAM), are of Malaysian descent and had their documents vetted and approved by FIFA. Still, that didn't stop some quarters from crying foul. Indonesian media outlet Disway ID kicked off the storm, claiming FAM could face a US$2 million fine, the Vietnam result overturned, and even be banned from naturalising players in future if any documents are found to be false. One Indonesian fan site labelled Malaysia's approach "football piracy". But FAM moved swiftly to shut down the noise. "FIFA has checked. We followed the rules and regulations," said FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) backed that stance, with general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul confirming that no complaint had been lodged with the regional body and that all player eligibility matters fall under FIFA's jurisdiction. FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman added: "We have not received any letters from FIFA or AFC. We followed all the regulations. We deny all those statements." So far, FIFA has remained silent. No red flags. No warnings. No sanctions. No signs of any wrongdoing. But this uproar isn't just about technicalities. It's about identity, perception, and pride, and a growing unease among fans and regional rivals over how quickly Harimau Malaya are changing. Naturalisation isn't new in this part of the world. Indonesia have long benefited from Dutch-Indonesian dual nationals, a by-product of colonial history. But the move has come good as Indonesia could qualify for next year's World Cup. The Philippines built an entire football programme around American and European-born Filipinos. Singapore experimented with imports in the early 2000s. Even Timor Leste brought in a wave of Brazilian players — but that ended in disaster when it was discovered their documents had been forged, triggering a massive FIFA and AFC probe. The players had no family ties to East Timor, just falsified baptism and birth records. The scandal rocked Asian football. But comparing Timor Leste to Malaysia is lazy and misguided. FAM has done its homework. All the players in question have documented Malaysian roots. FIFA has scrutinised and cleared their files. Everything, on paper and in practice, is in order. The real issue, perhaps, is that Malaysia are finally becoming a threat. Harimau Malaya are no longer just a "potential" side. They're a team with depth, technical ability and physical presence. Players like Figueiredo and Garces are not just passengers, they are game-changers. The victory over Vietnam sent a clear message across Southeast Asia — Malaysia are here to compete and dominate. And that's made some uncomfortable. There's a sense that this isn't about fairness, but fear. A fear that Malaysia's aggressive talent recruitment might tilt the regional balance. And locally, the backlash is mixed. Some fans are proud of the results. Others worry the national identity is being diluted. It's a delicate line. But it's not illegal. Nor is it unethical as long as the ancestry claims are legitimate and the paperwork checks out. International football has always been a reflection of a country's global footprint — migration, diaspora, dual nationality. The world is changing, and football is changing with it. FAM must now hold its ground. Not by shouting down critics, but by calmly reinforcing the facts: FIFA rules were followed. No violations occurred. The team are legitimate. If anything, this backlash is proof that Malaysia are doing something right. They've rattled their rivals. They've changed the conversation. And above all, they're finally winning again. The challenge now is to build trust with their fan base and prove that these new additions are not just "imports", but part of the Harimau Malaya family ready to fight for the badge. The noise may continue. The accusations may resurface. But if Malaysia keep playing the way they did against Vietnam, the football will do the talking. And it might just drown out the rest.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM hits back at 'baseless' claims over naturalised players
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) rubbished claims that they could face sanctions from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over the alleged use of ineligible naturalised players during their 4-0 win over Vietnam in last month's Asian Cup qualifier. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub insisted the governing body had followed all proper procedures and dismissed the swirling accusations as baseless. "FIFA have checked. We followed the rules and regulations," he told Timesport on Thursday. The controversy was sparked by Indonesian outlet Disway ID, which alleged that Harimau Malaya's victory on June 10 could be overturned — with Vietnam awarded a 3-0 win instead. The report also claimed that FAM could be fined US$2 million (RM9.4 million) and face further sanctions if FIFA finds evidence of document manipulation involving players heritage. Five newly naturalised players — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Hidalgo and Jon Irazabal — made their debuts in that match, prompting critics in Indonesia and Vietnam to question the legitimacy of their Malaysian ancestry. FAM has already stated that the players' naturalisation processes were fully vetted and approved by FIFA. However, Indonesian media claimed that an internal probe by the world body had uncovered inconsistencies in the documentation. As of now, neither FIFA nor the AFC have issued any official statement, and no formal complaints have been made public. Despite the lack of concrete evidence or action, the issue has gained traction among Southeast Asian football fans, especially on social media, with many demanding a formal investigation. Peter Cklamovski's side currently top Group F with six points, followed by Vietnam and Laos (three points each) and Nepal (zero). Malaysia opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Nepal in March before their dominant victory over Vietnam.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski faces FIFA blues in release of heritage players for CAFA Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya are hoping to field a full-strength squad, including their heritage players, at the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup from Aug 26-Sept 9 but may face hurdles with player availability. With the next FIFA window set for Sept 1-9, national coach Peter Cklamovski is bracing for potential club release issues, especially for overseas-based players whose sides are not obligated to release them outside official windows. Malaysia currently have five heritage players abroad — defender Facundo Garces (Alaves), Gabriel Palmero (Tenerife), and Joao Figueiredo (Istanbul Basaksehir) in Europe, while Imanol Machuca plays for Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, and Rodrigo Holgado is with America de Cali in Colombia. Cklamovski said squad planning will depend on the yet-to-be-released fixture schedules of the players' respective clubs. "The simple fact is they'll only become available on Sept 1, unless their club schedules allow for an earlier release. That's based on FIFA regulations," he told Astro Arena. "We'll have to wait and see. For example, Garces' fixtures in La Liga haven't been announced yet, and that's the case for many leagues over there. Once we get that information, we'll work from there." World No. 131 Malaysia face a tough challenge at the CAFA Nations Cup, with opponents including world No. 18 Iran and Uzbekistan (No. 57) —— both of whom have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Other participating teams include Oman (world No. 77), Kyrgyzstan (No. 103), Tajikistan (No. 104), Turkmenistan (No. 142), and Afghanistan (No. 160). After the CAFA campaign, Malaysia will shift focus to their Asian Cup Group F qualifiers, beginning with Laos in Vientiane on Oct 9 and in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 14. They will then travel to Kathmandu to face Nepal on Nov 18 before wrapping up the group stage against Vietnam in Hanoi on March 31 next year.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia get green light from FIFA to use 5 new heritage players
KUALA LUMPUR: After sceptical rival fans across Southeast Asian urged FIFA to investigate Malaysia for its recruitment of "heritage players", the FA of Malaysia (FAM) announced today that the world body has cleared five foreign-born players to wear Malaysia shirts. The five naturalised heritage players are Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado. This means the five footballers will be able to take the field against Vietnam in a crucial Asian Cup Group F qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight (9pm kickoff). FAM, in a social media post today, stated that Garces, Machuca, Irazabal, Figueiredo and Holgado have received Fifa approval, Malaysia aim to break their 11-year winless run against Vietnam after losing seven times and drawn once in their last eight meetings. Malaysia's last win over Vietnam was at the 2014 AFF Cup.
The Star
03-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Looking up to Garces
New Malaysian football player Facundo Garces. PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Malaya revolution continues with more Malaysians abroad expected to be unveiled soon. But for now, the spotlight shines on a towering new addition. Facundo Garces, a 25-year-old centreback from La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves, has officially joined the Malaysian national football team, adding an unexpected but exciting twist to preparations for the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. His inclusion has sent ripples through the local football community, not only for the surprise factor but also for the calibre he brings. "To be part of this national set-up is an incredible opportunity and a massive honour," said Garces. "Since arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I've felt the passion, the family spirit, and unwavering support within the team. "If this is just the beginning, I can't imagine how amazing it will be when the entire nation is behind us. I'm ready to give everything I have for Malaysia." Standing at 1.89m (6'2''), Garces is a commanding presence at the back. He first rose to prominence with Argentine Primera Division side Colon, where he amassed 129 appearances. Since his January move to Alaves, he has featured in 10 matches - starting the last seven league games in a row - proving his growing stature in top-tier football. Known for his aerial dominance, Garces is not only a defensive rock but a threat during set-pieces. National coach Peter Cklamovski couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "Facundo has a strong character. He's calm under pressure, has a fantastic personality, and brings with him valuable experience from top level competitions," said the Australian tactician. And Garces might not be the only one making waves in this international window. Sources suggest that two more players - possibly three - could join Garces in the current training camp. Cklamovski's extensive scouting network may soon bear more fruit, with names like winger Imanol Machuca, striker Rodrigo Holgado and centreback Jon Iranzabal being closely linked to the national set-up. Machuca, 25, is a nimble flanker who plays for Velez Sarsfield on loan from Brazilian side Fortaleza. The pint-sized Argentine-born winger, who stands just 1.70m (5'5'') is capable on either flank and thrives on creating goal-scoring chances. Holgado, 29, currently leads the line for Colombian giants America de Cali. The clinical striker has already netted seven goals and registered two assists in just 15 league appearances this season - an impressive return that could add bite to Malaysia's attack. Then there's Iranzabal, a 28-year-old Spanish-born defender who recently helped Azerbaijani club Sabah lift the national cup. The 1.87m (6'1'') hard man is renowned for his technical defending and was among the earliest mixed-heritage names linked with Harimau Malaya following Cklamovski's appointment. With new blood injecting quality and depth into the squad, the national team's ambitions are gaining momentum. And if this wave of talent delivers on its promise, Malaysia's dream of back-to-back Asian Cup appearances may soon become a thrilling reality.
