Struck with a FIFA sanction, the Malaysian striker remains in demand

Despite being banned by FIFA for 12 months, Harimau Malaya forward Rodrigo Holgado continues to be the primary transfer target for Chile’s Coquimbo Unido.

Even under a 12-month suspension imposed by the International Football Federation (FIFA), Rodrigo Holgado, who has previously represented Malaysia, remains highly pursued by Coquimbo Unido, the leaders of the Chilean Primera Division.

According to sports news site En Cancha, Coquimbo Unido’s management regards Holgado as their “number one transfer target” for the new season. The team, coached by Esteban González, is searching for a top-class striker to strengthen their attack, and Holgado, who left a strong impression during his time there, is seen as the ideal choice.

The 30-year-old striker is currently under contract with America de Cali (Colombia) and is valued at approximately 700,000 euros (around 17 billion VND) according to Transfermarkt. However, Holgado has not played since September, when FIFA issued a ban preventing him from participating in any football activities for one year due to using forged documents while playing for Malaysia.

Previously, the Buenos Aires-born player had two impressive spells at Coquimbo Unido, scoring 34 goals and playing a key role in helping the club win the Primera B title in 2018. He returned on loan in 2023 and continued to make an impact with consistent performances.

On September 26, FIFA announced sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for allowing a player to use false documents. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (about 11.5 billion VND), while Holgado and six other players — Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel — were fined 2,000 Swiss francs each and suspended for 12 months.

According to En Cancha, Holgado and his agent remain hopeful that the punishment will be reduced, allowing him to return to play in 2026, the time Coquimbo Unido wishes to bring him back. If the ban is lifted, it would be an opportunity for Holgado to revive his career and prove his worth at the club that once helped him flourish.

If the appeal is successful, Holgado will have the chance to return to Coquimbo Unido, where he previously rediscovered his scoring form and reaffirmed his value.