ANFP Grants Vozinha Jersey Approval Amid Delayed Colo-Colo Arrival

Colo-Colo marquee signing Vozinha secured a nickname exemption from the ANFP but failed to board his flight to Santiago on Thursday.

The ANFP unanimously approved an exception on Friday, July 31, 2026, allowing 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias to display his nickname, Vozinha, on his jersey. This decision by the organizers of Chile's Primera Division required a formal amendment to league regulations, which previously mandated that all players wear only their legal surnames. The Cape Verde international, who gained global fame during the World Cup, made the naming rights a specific condition for accepting a deal with Colo-Colo, Chile's most decorated football club.

Despite the regulatory victory at 06:09 PM ET, the goalkeeper remains absent from Santiago. Originally scheduled to land in the Chilean capital on Tuesday, July 28, the veteran shot-stopper first encountered visa issues that pushed his travel to Thursday. However, he ultimately failed to board that flight, prompting concerns among the club's supporters. Colo-Colo director Jaime Pizarro confirmed he was in contact with the player's agent as recently as late Thursday night to address the situation.

Contract Status and Transfer Conditions

Colo-Colo president Aníbal Mosa acknowledged during the ANFP meeting that the contract between the club and the Cape Verdean breakout star has not yet been signed. The agreement hinges on the nickname provision, which received backing from top executives across various Chilean clubs. According to details leaked to local media, the 40-year-old requested an extension to his arrival timeline to resolve unspecified personal matters.

Vozinha’s profile rose significantly following the World Cup, where he and Erling Haaland gained the most Instagram followers of any players during the tournament. This surge in popularity also served as motivation for the Cape Verde women's national team. Despite his high social media activity, the goalkeeper has not issued a public statement regarding the move to the Chilean league.

Technical Staff Reactions and Player Communication

Colo-Colo coach Fernando Ortiz addressed the media during a Friday news conference, confirming he spoke directly with the goalkeeper. Ortiz described the player as happy and pleased, despite a naturally non-expressive personality. The coach noted that while the player is excited about the prospect of joining the squad, the personal matters requiring his attention in his home country remain the primary obstacle to his physical arrival in South America.

Ortiz emphasized that the club is handling the process correctly and expressed hope that the situation would be resolved quickly. The manager remained cautious about the finality of the transfer until the player is present. Director Jaime Pizarro reiterated that the deal is still active, citing the most recent communications with the player's representatives as proof of ongoing intent.

Regulatory Changes in Primera Division

The ANFP’s decision to alter jersey requirements marks a significant shift in Chilean football protocol. The unanimous vote by club executives highlights the perceived value of the Cape Verdean goalkeeper to the commercial and competitive standing of the league. By amending the rule that restricted jersey text to surnames, the league has cleared the final administrative hurdle requested by Josimar José Évora Dias. The focus now shifts to the boarding of a flight to Santiago to finalize the marquee signing.