América de Cali have confirmed that Malaysian national team defender Rodrigo Holgado has been granted unpaid leave to travel to Malaysia, where he will personally address matters relating to the 12-month FIFA ban imposed on him and six other Harimau Malaya players.
In an official statement, the Chilean club announced:
“It is reported that the player Rodrigo Holgado requested, and obtained, an unpaid leave of absence to travel to Malaysia, in order to personally address the situation related to the sanction imposed on both him and his federation by FIFA’s disciplinary bodies.”
Holgado, who joined the Malaysia national team through the heritage player pathway, is among seven players suspended by FIFA for alleged document irregularities during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam in June. Alongside the suspensions, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was fined CHF 350,000 (RM1.8 million).
The decision has drawn sharp reactions in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, with FAM currently awaiting FIFA’s full written judgment before lodging a formal appeal.
Holgado’s decision to return to Malaysia signals his intent to fully cooperate with the ongoing process, at a time when his international future – and that of the other six sanctioned players – remains uncertain.
Credit Photo : America De Cali
