KUCHING: Kuching City FC had anticipated the possibility of defender, Gabriel Palmero, being suspended following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling involving seven players linked to Malaysia’s national team eligibility case.
Club chairman, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, said the potential risk had already been considered during early discussions when the club invited the player to join the Cats.
“When we first discussed bringing him to Kuching City, we had already taken into account the risks that he might face action following the decisions from CAS and FIFA.
“I advised him to continue training during the suspension period because 12 months is actually not a long time in football. We remain open to welcoming him back once the ban ends,” he said when met by reporters after the Aidilfitri contribution presentation for asnaf organised by the Kampung Gita Matang Muslim Welfare Trust Board at the Kampung Pinang Jawa Multipurpose Hall here today.
He also clarified that the ruling will not affect matches Palmero had already played for the club.
“As far as I understand, the decision only takes effect from the date it was announced and is not backdated, which means the matches he played in earlier will not be affected,” he added.
Fazzrudin said Palmero is still currently with the squad while making arrangements to return to Spain, but the club has continued to invite him to train with the first team in the meantime.
“He has already played three matches for us and his presence gave additional depth to the squad, especially when we rotate players and still maintain the same level of quality,” he said.
Kuching City head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, also described Palmero as a professional player and expressed hope that the defender will continue to stay fit despite the suspension.
“He is still young and a quality player. The most important thing is that he continues training and stays prepared”, Aidil said after the Malaysia Super League match on Saturday night (Mar 7).
Aidil added that Palmero’s potential could take him far in the game, even suggesting the 24-year-old defender could one day feature in Spain’s top flight, La Liga, if he continues to develop.
Previously, the CAS partially upheld sanctions involving seven players accused of falsifying eligibility documents in Malaysia’s naturalisation process.
The players were handed a 12-month suspension from official matches but are still allowed to train and take part in football-related activities that do not involve competitive fixtures.
