Latest news with #Colombia-based
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Brazil's Azul to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: report
Brazilian airline Azul is set to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States as soon as Tuesday (May 28, 2025), newspaper Valor Economico reported, citing sources. The move would make the carrier the latest in a series of Latin American airlines to file for bankruptcy in the aftermath of the depression the industry suffered in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Azul's move would follow in the footsteps of Aeromexico, Colombia-based Avianca and its two largest rivals, Gol and LATAM Airlines, all of which succumbed to bankruptcy proceedings in recent years. Azul last year struck a deal with lessors to scrap $550 million in debt in exchange for an equity stake of around 20%, as well as one with bondholders to raise additional financing, but its balance sheet remained severely pressured. Azul's net debt soared 50% year-on-year by the end of the first quarter to 31.35 billion reais ($5.56 billion), with its leverage ratio hitting 5.2, up from 3.7 a year earlier.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Palmero set to be a Harimau, but Holgado's status unclear
KUALA LUMPUR: The one from Spain has come, but national football team coach Peter Cklamovski is not sure about the one from Colombia. So, Gabriel Palmero is already here, but a question mark hangs over Rodrigo Holgado. There have been reports about Malaysia getting two more naturalised players before their 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10. The national team, who are now in their second phase of centralised training, will play two international friendlies against Cape Verde at KLFA Stadium on Thursday and on June 3 at the National Stadium. "Gabriel has come in good condition from Europe. He's proud to represent Malaysia," he said. "He's looking sharp, adapting from his long flight, and wants to make Malaysians proud." However, the status of Colombia-based striker Holgado remains uncertain. While the 29-year-old has reportedly received a call-up, his documentation is still being finalised. Holgado, who plays for America de Cali and has scored seven goals this season, is expected to bolster Malaysia's attacking firepower if things go to plan. When asked about Holgado, Cklamovski said: "Not sure."
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Holgado could be Harimau Malaya's secret weapon, says critic
KUALA LUMPUR: The potential inclusion of Colombia-based striker Rodrigo Holgado in the national team could be a game-changer for Harimau Malaya in their Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Malaysia has lacked a reliable goalscorer in recent years and has often had to rely on naturalised midfielders such as Paulo Josue, Sergio Aguero and Romel Morales, who have been converted into strikers. Brazil-born Josue has scored eight goals in 25 matches since 2023, Argentina-born Aguero has netted three in 17 matches since 2022, while Colombia-born Morales has two goals from nine appearances since making his debut this year. Holgado, 29, boasts a solid track record with América de Cali, having scored 17 goals in 44 appearances since joining the Colombian side in 2024, credentials that could make him a perfect fit for Malaysia. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes the national team must do everything necessary to secure qualification for the Asian Cup, including strengthening its forward line. "I've read about this new candidate (Holgado) for the national team. I'm not sure if it's confirmed that he'll play for Malaysia, but it seems the team management is working hard to bolster the squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers," said Zulakbal. "We still don't have a credible natural striker. We've had to convert midfielders to lead the attack but I still feel we need an out-and-out striker. "We have to qualify for the Asian Cup and I can see the management is leaving no stone unturned to make it happen. "For me, it's an acceptable move. We must qualify at any cost. Our football is not perfect but the priority now is qualification." Zulakbal, who holds an AFC Professional Coaching Diploma, added that integrating Holgado into the squad quickly and effectively will be crucial. And if everything falls into place, the Argentina-born forward could be Malaysia's secret weapon against Vietnam. "He's based in Colombia, so there's the challenge of a long flight, adapting to the team, the weather, football culture and the national training system — it won't be easy," said Zulakbal. "Now it's up to the national team management to speed up his acclimatisation. I believe we have the right experts to help him settle in smoothly. "If everything goes well, we might have a surprise package in Holgado. Vietnam probably doesn't know much about him."
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Hitman Holgado expected to join Harimau Malaya soon
KUALA LUMPUR: Colombia-based striker Rodrigo Holgado is expected to join the national team training camp ahead of the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Colombian sports journalist Pipe Sierra revealed that Holgado has received a call-up to the Harimau Malaya squad, with the player's documentation process currently underway. Sierra also stated that Holgado's club, America de Cali, have been informed of the call-up. "The Malaysian national team has Rodrigo Holgado among its players. Information regarding his passport is not yet finalised, but they are resolving the matter from Asia," he said on X. "America de Cali have been informed and are awaiting further details. (Holgado) will have a long journey if everything is confirmed." The 29-year-old, who plays for America de Cali in the Categoria Primera A — the top-tier league in Colombian football — has scored 17 goals in 44 appearances since joining the club last year. This season, the Argentina-born Holgado has already notched seven goals and provided two assists in all competitions, helping the 15-time Colombian league champions to the top of the standings. Holgado's potential inclusion is eagerly awaited by Harimau Malaya fans, as his presence is expected to add bite to the team's attack. However, there has been no official confirmation from the FA of Malaysia (FAM). Should all matters be finalised, the Argentine-Malaysian striker will bolster the frontline alongside Fergus Tierney, Paulo Josue and Romel Morales.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Colombian narco-terrorists charged in federal indictment
LOS ANGELES - Federal authorities announced two Colombian nationals, described as narco-terrorists, have been charged in a six-count indictment. What we know Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo, 39, known as "Marlon Vásquez," and Juan Diego Palta Montero, 26, known as "Ñeque," are accused of leading a cocaine-manufacturing ring that trades drugs for firearms to support terrorist activities in Colombia, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Arredondo and Montero are senior members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army (FARC-EP). The charges include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to engage in narco-terrorism, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine for unlawful importation. Arredondo faces an additional charge of possession of firearms, machine guns, and destructive devices in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Both men are believed to be in Colombia and remain at large. The indictment, unsealed on May 5, describes FARC-EP as a dissident faction of the FARC terrorist group, which rejected a 2016 peace agreement with the Colombian government. FARC-EP is considered Colombia's most powerful and violent dissident group, responsible for assassinations, extortion, hostage-takings, and armed assaults. The group targets Colombian government and military personnel but has also attacked infrastructure, civilians, and U.S. military personnel in Colombia. Four other Colombian nationals were charged in a related indictment. Jorge Eliecer Luque Monsalve, 53, known as "Jorge Col," and Rubén Darío García Londoño, 41, known as "Bencho," were arrested by Colombian authorities. García has been extradited to the U.S. and appeared in court in Los Angeles on May 5, pleading not guilty. His trial is set for July 1. An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. FARC-EP uses propaganda videos to assert control over Colombia, threaten rivals, and recruit young Colombians. Idrobo has appeared as a primary speaker in some of these videos. The group controls a region responsible for producing about 70% of Colombia's cocaine. The backstory Designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in December 2021, FARC-EP collaborates with other terrorist organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). From March 2023 to March 2024, Idrobo and Palta allegedly attempted to provide FARC-EP with thousands of rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, grenades, and machine guns, obtained by trading cocaine manufactured in Colombia-based laboratories. In May 2023, a drug deal in Colombia involved seven kilograms of cocaine intended for importation into the U.S., including Southern California, exchanged for Colombian pesos worth approximately $10,715. In December 2023, a co-conspirator traveled to the Czech Republic on Idrobo's behalf to inspect weapons for the cocaine trade. Discussions included plans to use rocket-propelled grenade launchers against Colombian government targets. Later that month, investigators said the defendants distributed approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine, packaged with images of the Hollywood sign, to a buyer. The investigation is being led by the DEA's Los Angeles Field Division and Bogotá Country Office, with assistance from Colombian and Czech authorities, and the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs. The Source Information from the U.S. Department of Justice.
