PETALING JAYA: Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield states it has no authority to intervene in the disciplinary process that led to FIFA imposing a 12-month suspension on their winger, Imanol Machuca.
The club confirmed they were not part of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee proceedings, and therefore cannot directly influence or appeal the decision.
"We highlight that Velez are not part of the Fifa disciplinary process, so we are not allowed to intervene," the club said in an official statement.
The announcement followed official notification from the Argentine Football Association (Afa) regarding Fifa’s ruling, which had sidelined the 25-year-old from all matches for one year.
"Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield informed that yesterday (Sept 27) they were notified by the Argentine Football Association of the decision made by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, where our player, Imanol Machuca, had been imposed a suspension for a period of 12 months.
"In virtue of this, and until a contrary notification is received, our footballer will not be able to be part of the matches played by the club."
While unable to take part in the proceedings, Velez emphasised that it will remain in constant communication with Machuca, offering him support as the case unfolds.
"We are in constant communication with the player in order to carry out the follow-up and accompany him in this process."
On Friday (Sept 26), Fifa sanctioned FAM for allegedly doctoring documents to classify seven players as Malaysians.
The players were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,570), while Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) were handed a 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.85mil) penalty.
