The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has confirmed a suspension originally imposed by FIFA on Imanol Machuca, a forward for Vélez, in September 2025, preventing him from participating in any official matches for a total of twelve months. This decision is linked to a scandal surrounding the alleged forgery and manipulation of documents related to obtaining Malaysian nationality, which was aimed at allowing Machuca to join the Malaysian national team. The ruling doesn't prevent him from training with the team or participating in friendly matches.

The issue first arose when Machuca and his fellow Argentine players, Facundo Garcés and Rodrigo Holgado, were called up for a match against Vietnam in June 2025, which was part of the qualifying rounds for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. However, FIFA received a complaint regarding the legitimacy of their inclusion on the team, triggering an investigation and ultimately leading to their bans. The ruling by the TAS underscores the serious consequences of improper documentation in international sports, as athletes risk significant penalties that can disrupt their careers.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Machuca, as it sends a strong message to all athletes regarding compliance with international regulations and the strict scrutiny that governing bodies like FIFA and the TAS apply in matters of eligibility and fraud. As the suspension affects not only competitive play but also the opportunity to represent their country, it could discourage players from attempting to manipulate systems for personal gain, thereby fostering a more fair and transparent sporting environment.