Kuching City FC president says the club considered all factors, including suspension, before signing Gabriel Palmero, who is banned for 12 months.

KUCHING: Kuching City FC conducted thorough due diligence before finalising the signing of player Gabriel Palmero. Club president Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (pic) confirmed all potential risks, including the possibility of a suspension, were factored into the decision.

He stated the club had open discussions with Palmero when the suspension was confirmed. Fazzrudin advised the player to remain dedicated to his training during the 12-month ban.

“We have indeed discussed the risk and when the matter (suspension) happened we discussed it with him (Gabriel) and he also understood,” Fazzrudin told reporters. He added the club remains open to welcoming Palmero back once his suspension concludes.

The statement follows the Malaysian Football League’s announcement that four M-League players are banned from official matches for 12 months. This action stems from a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling on an appeal involving seven national team players.

The suspended players include three from Johor Darul Ta’zim and Kuching City’s Gabriel Palmero. FIFA initially sanctioned all seven for falsifying naturalisation and eligibility documents for the Malaysian national squad.

Last Thursday, CAS partially allowed the players’ appeal but upheld the 12-month suspensions. It also maintained a fine of approximately RM1.8 million against the Football Association of Malaysia.

 The Sun Malaysia