CAS steps in, Malaysian naturalized striker receives great news

Rodrigo Holgado’s career faces a major turning point with CAS expected to consider overturning FIFA’s 12-month suspension, allowing the striker to sign with JDT.

Rodrigo Holgado, the Malaysian national team player involved in a naturalization scandal, is on the verge of having his 12-month FIFA ban potentially revoked. If the ruling is reversed, the 30-year-old striker is likely to quickly find a new club, with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) being the most frequently mentioned destination.

According to South American football journalist Maestro Pichanguero, Holgado and his representatives are very optimistic after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officially filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“I have received confirmation from a source close to Holgado that FAM has taken the case to CAS and that next week they might lift the 12-month ban imposed by FIFA in September 2025,”Pichanguero shared on social media.

Holgado is one of seven players of foreign origin sanctioned by FIFA for allegedly falsifying documents during the naturalization process to represent Malaysia. Besides Holgado, the list includes Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. Each was fined and handed a one-year suspension, causing their careers to stall.

Sources close to Holgado say the fault mainly lies in administrative management. “Those around Holgado believe the mistake was on FAM’s part, not the player’s,”Pichanguero stated. This is also the core argument in the appeal, hoping CAS will reconsider the striker’s personal responsibility, who was born in 1995.

Despite the ban, Holgado has denied rumors about retiring. “Holgado still wants to continue playing and believes he deserves a chance to restart,”the South American source confirmed. This shows the determination of the player who debuted for the Harimau Malaya team last year, even though his international career has been severely interrupted.

Regarding his club career, Holgado’s current contract with América de Cali, a Colombian club, runs until the end of 2026. However, sources indicate this deal is likely to be terminated early if FIFA’s ban is lifted. In that case, Johor Darul Ta'zim is considered the top candidate to sign the striker on a long-term contract.

For JDT, Holgado is seen as a perfect fit both professionally and in their ambition to dominate Malaysian football and expand across Asia. Signing an experienced national team player would deepen their squad, especially as they frequently compete in Asian tournaments.

Currently, everything depends on the final decision from CAS. If the 12-month ban is overturned, Holgado will not only escape the toughest phase of his career but also have the opportunity to restart with JDT. On the other hand, if the appeal fails, the striker will have to wait silently, with his professional future remaining uncertain.