Gabriel Palmero Awaits FIFA Decision on Suspension Over Document Falsification

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia — Gabriel Palmero is remaining optimistic as he waits for FIFA’s final decision regarding his one-year suspension. The Malaysian international, alongside six other national players, received a 12-month ban from all football-related activities due to allegations of falsified registration documents.

This suspension has also affected Palmero’s current club, Unionistas de Salamanca, where he plays in the Spanish third division. The 23-year-old left wing-back, who has earned four caps for Malaysia, expressed his determination through a recent Instagram post, stating in Spanish, ‘Lucharla hasta el final’ or ‘Fight to the end.’

Palmero is now faced with the challenge of clearing his name. The controversy began nearly 10 days ago when FIFA sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after reports surfaced about falsified documents pertaining to the eligibility of the players in question.

FIFA has accused FAM of submitting doctored documents ahead of the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10. Along with Palmero, the players facing sanctions include Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazábal, and Héctor Hevel.

Each player involved has been fined 2,000 Swiss francs (about RM10,570), while FAM faces a larger penalty of 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately RM1.85 million). FAM has been given 10 days to appeal the decision, though FIFA has yet to provide the full details behind the ruling.