Colombian club terminate Holgado contract after FIFA suspension

KUALA LUMPUR: Colombian club America de Cali have terminated the contract of Harimau Malaya striker Rodrigo Holgado following a FIFA sanction barring him from all football activities for a year.

The club made the decision after being officially notified of the punishment, which stems from a document falsification case involving the FA of Malaysia (FAM).

FAM’s bid to overturn the FIFA disciplinary committee’s ruling was rejected after the appeal committee upheld the penalties against the national body and several players earlier this month.

FIFA confirmed a fine of CHF350,000 (about RM1.8 million) for FAM, while seven players — Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel — each received a 12-month ban and a CHF2,000 (about RM10,800) fine for breaching Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code on document falsification.

America de Cali then began the process of ending Holgado’s deal, which had more than a year remaining.

According to Colombian outlet ElDeportivo.com.co, the striker’s contract was officially terminated on Tuesday.

Despite the move, Holgado will continue to receive his full salary under the terms of his contract.

Sources close to the club said there were no disputes between America de Cali’s legal team and the player’s representatives, with both sides reaching a mutual agreement.

Holgado, who joined the club earlier this year, is not permitted to play or train with any professional team during his suspension.

The 29-year-old is expected to train individually until his ban ends in September next year.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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