Suspended by CAS, Malaysian naturalized player finds unexpected new club

Imanol Machuca has an opportunity to rejoin Velez Sarsfield after CAS provisionally suspended FIFA’s penalty, allowing the 26-year-old winger to resume his professional journey.

The future of Imanol Machuca is becoming clearer following the ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which temporarily lifted the suspension imposed by FIFA. The Malaysian naturalized winger is reportedly very close to securing a loan move back to Velez Sarsfield.

According to South American media, Machuca’s career was “rescued” just in time when CAS approved the suspension of the 12-month ban while the appeal process is still ongoing. This decision allows seven involved players, including Machuca, to continue playing professionally instead of being sidelined long-term.

Besides Machuca, players like Facundo Garces, Gabriel Palmero, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, and Rodrigo Holgado also benefit from this ruling. This is seen as a crucial boost, enabling many clubs to quickly restart previously halted personnel plans.

TyC Sports revealed that Velez Sarsfield is very close to finalizing a second loan deal for Machuca from Fortaleza. Notably, the Argentine champions may activate a purchase option if the 26-year-old meets the agreed sporting conditions between both parties.

Machuca is expected to undergo a medical examination this week before officially signing the loan contract. If all procedures go smoothly, he could soon make his return to Velez in the upcoming phase of the season.

Machuca’s return to Velez not only strengthens the team’s wing but also indirectly opens the door for Chile’s Colo Colo to pursue Diego Valdes, who was once Machuca’s teammate.

In fact, this is not Machuca’s first time wearing the Velez Sarsfield jersey. During his loan spell in 2025, he appeared in 24 matches, scoring once and providing one assist. However, the FIFA ban issued in September 2025 forced Machuca to leave Argentina and return to Fortaleza, before receiving a “second chance” from CAS’s latest ruling.