Facundo Garcés Returns to Action with Alavés After Suspension

Facundo Garcés has made his return to play and win with Alavés. The defender recently received a provisional ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a 12-month suspension imposed by FIFA for submitting “manipulated documentation” in an attempt to be called up to the Malaysian national team. He entered the field at RCDE Stadium at the start of the second half, replacing Protesoni, who had sustained a physical issue.

Prior to his suspension, Garcés last played against Getafe on September 24, 2025. A total of 128 days had elapsed since that match. Coach Eduardo Coudet had already indicated in the pre-match discussions that he considered Garcés an essential part of the squad, which is why he included him in the lineup.

Garces showed no signs of inactivity during his return. He effectively challenged the aerial threats posed by Kike García and Roberto, providing crucial support for his team during key moments of the game. Coudet provided an apt description of Garcés after the match: “He is a kamikaze. He is a very important player within the group. Mental strength is paramount in this sport, and being mentally resilient distinguishes players. He is exceptionally strong. It had been four months since he last trained, and we needed him, so we brought him back.”

Since Coudet’s arrival, Garcés has been an indispensable player, participating fully in the first six matches of this season’s LaLiga. Now, the coach of the Vitoria-based team can once again count on his services.