Despite being suspended by FIFA, Holgado is still being pursued by Coquimbo Unido.

Despite being suspended for 12 months by FIFA for using forged documents while playing for Malaysia, Rodrigo Holgado remains a top target for Coquimbo Unido. According to En Cancha, the team currently leading the Chilean Primera Division considers the 30-year-old striker their number one target for the new season under coach Esteban González.

Coquimbo Unido wants to strengthen its attack with a familiar old name.

According to En Cancha, the Coquimbo Unido management has identified Holgado as the ideal addition to improve their goal-scoring ability. The reason lies not only in his goal-scoring record but also in his adaptability: Holgado has previously played for Coquimbo Unido twice, scoring 34 goals and making a significant contribution to their 2018 Primera B championship win. In 2023, he returned on loan and continued to maintain consistent form.

Contract status and transfer valuation

Holgado currently has a contract with America de Cali (Colombia) and, according to Transfermarkt, is valued at around 700,000 euros (nearly 17 billion VND). The striker has not played since September, when FIFA imposed a one-year ban from all football activities.

FIFA sanctions: timeline and parties involved.

On September 26, FIFA announced sanctions related to players using forged documents in Malaysia. The main decisions include:

• FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) has been fined 350,000 Swiss francs.
• Rodrigo Holgado and six other players, including Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel, were fined 2,000 Swiss francs and suspended for 12 months.

According to En Cancha, Holgado and his agent are awaiting the outcome of the appeal, hoping the sentence can be reduced so that he can make a comeback in 2026 — the year Coquimbo Unido wants to welcome him back.

Why is Holgado still the preferred choice?

Firstly, his concrete achievements at Coquimbo Unido provide a solid foundation: 34 goals and a major collective title (Primera B 2018). Secondly, the striker has proven his ability to adapt to the playing environment in Chile during two different periods, including a return on loan in 2023.

Thirdly, Coquimbo Unido's personnel needs are immediate. Under coach Esteban González, the league leaders need a top-class striker to maintain their scoring momentum as they enter the new season. According to En Cancha, that's why Holgado was prioritized despite serving a suspension.

Potential impact on Coquimbo Unido's ambitions

If the appeal is successful and Holgado is eligible to play, Coquimbo Unido will have the opportunity to acquire a striker who has made a difference at their own club. His experience playing within the system and his understanding of the Chilean environment could shorten his adaptation period, thereby adding momentum to the attack as the team aims to maintain its leading position.

However, all scenarios depend on FIFA's resolution process. In the meantime, Coquimbo Unido's early identification of Holgado as their number one target shows a clear plan in the transfer market and reflects their belief in the value the 30-year-old striker can regain upon his return to the pitch.

Key milestones

• Holgado previously played for Coquimbo Unido, scoring 34 goals and contributing to their Primera B championship win in 2018.
• In September, FIFA handed down a 12-month ban; Holgado stopped playing from that point onwards.
• FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs; Holgado and six other players were fined 2,000 Swiss francs and suspended for 12 months.
• The 30-year-old striker is still under contract with America de Cali and is valued at around 700,000 euros according to Transfermarkt.
• According to En Cancha, Coquimbo Unido considers Holgado their number one transfer target; the player himself is awaiting the outcome of his appeal and hopes to make a comeback in 2026.

With the ban still in effect, the fact that a top-ranked team like Coquimbo Unido is still pursuing Holgado shows the weight of his convincing past performances in Chile. The door to a return depends on FIFA's decision, but Coquimbo Unido's plan has been clearly outlined.