The Spanish team believes the naturalized Malaysian player is innocent

Alfonso Fernandez, president of Alaves FC, expresses complete confidence in Fancudo Graces despite FIFA’s penalty.

On November 3rd, FIFA rejected the appeal from the Malaysian Football Association regarding the illegal naturalization of seven players. Consequently, all seven players including Fancudo Graces, Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel will still face a 12-month suspension as initially decided by FIFA.

Notably, in recent days,Argentine media have released evidence proving that Fancudo Graces and Imanol Machuca have no Malaysian heritage. Nevertheless, according to Spanish media, Deportivo Alaves — Graces’ club — continues to show full faith in the player despite the ban.

"This is an issue outside the club, a personal matter for him, but of course it affects us because we cannot rely on him," Alfonso Fernandez, president of Alaves FC, told Spanish media.

"However, we still believe in him and trust that he is innocent,"he added.

After joining Alaves, Garces frequently played and received praise for his composure, aerial strength, and leadership in defense. He is also regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in La Liga.

Being banned from playing for one year will severely impact Fancudo Graces’ career development since he will be prohibited from participating in La Liga and Copa del Rey matches and from attending team training sessions.

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