Chile Modifies League Rules for Vozinha as Colo-Colo Transfer Hits Delay
Chilean football authorities approved a regulatory exception allowing Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to wear his nickname on his jersey. Despite this concession, the veteran's arrival at Colo-Colo remains stalled by unresolved personal matters.
Key takeaways
- Chilean league officials unanimously voted to allow Vozinha to use his nickname on his jersey, bypassing existing surname-only rules.
- Vozinha missed multiple scheduled flights to Santiago, including a Thursday departure, sparking concerns about the deal's stability.
- Colo-Colo president Aníbal Mosa confirmed the contract remains unsigned despite the player being announced as a marquee signing a week ago.
- Manager Fernando Ortiz spoke directly with the 40-year-old goalkeeper and remains optimistic that the personal issues causing the delay will be resolved.
Regulatory Exception Granted for Cape Verdean Star
The ANFP, which governs Chile's Primera Division, took the unusual step on Friday, July 31, 2026, of amending league rules to accommodate one of the World Cup's breakout stars. In a unanimous vote, club executives approved a request to allow Josimar José Évora Dias, known globally as Vozinha, to display his nickname on his match jersey. Current regulations previously restricted player kits to surnames only.
Leaked details suggest that the jersey branding was a specific condition set by the 40-year-old goalkeeper during negotiations. While the league cleared this hurdle, the player's physical arrival in Santiago has become a source of increasing friction. Initially expected on Tuesday, July 28, a series of delays—first attributed to visa complications and later to unspecified personal issues—left him absent from his scheduled flight on Thursday, July 30.
Colo-Colo Leadership Addresses Missing Signee
Despite the growing anxiety among supporters of Chile's most successful club, Colo-Colo officials maintain that the transfer is still active. Director Jaime Pizarro confirmed he was in communication with the player's representatives as recently as Thursday night, citing Vozinha’s request for additional time to finalize private affairs. However, club president Aníbal Mosa admitted during the ANFP assembly that a formal contract has not been signed.
Managerial Optimism Amidst Silence
Coach Fernando Ortiz remains positive about the acquisition, noting that he spoke directly with the Cape Verdean international. "He is excited about the prospect of coming here," Ortiz stated during a Friday press conference, though he urged patience while the player settles his domestic situation. Vozinha has maintained public silence regarding the move, offering no updates via his social media channels.
- Player Name: Josimar José Évora Dias (Vozinha)
- Club: Colo-Colo
- Sanctioning Body: ANFP
- Agreed Exception: Nickname allowed on jersey
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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