KUALA LUMPUR: Rodrigo Holgado, one of the seven heritage players embroiled in Malaysia's naturalisation scandal, is expected to join Bruneian club DPMM FC.
DPMM, who play in the M-League, said in their website: "Malaysian goal machine Rodrigo Holgado is nearing to sign for DPMM FC.
"During the 2024/2025 season, Rodrigo played for America de Cali in the Colombian Primera A before transferring to Coquimbo in the Chilean Primera Division.
"The Argentinian-born striker was the top-scorer for Coquimbo netting 18 goals during the 2018 season. During his 2024/2025 season, he scored 18 goals for America De Cali."
Holgado can only be officially registered by DPMM when the second registration window opens from Jan 5 to Feb 1, 2027.
In late 2025, FIFA handed Holgado and six other foreign-born players 12-month bans over false ancestry documents to claim Malaysian eligibility.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport later ruled that the suspensions apply only to official matches, and not all all football-related activities. Holgado's suspension is due to expire in November, paving the way for him to return to competitive football just ahead of the January transfer window.
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